ANSWER

Both LA (Linoleic acid), an Omega-6 and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an Omega-3 ratio are important because they both compete for the same enzyme in our body. Because Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids serve as substrates for the same enzyme systems, it is not surprising that the two families of fatty acids compete for these enzymes. As a result, an imbalanced intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 ratios would raise the rate of inflammatory disease and can contribute to the development of disease, such as coronary heart disease, cancer and arthritis (EUFIC, 2015).

A typical diet contains 8-15 g/day of LA (omega-6) but much lower intakes of the omega-3 types. ALA consumption ranges from approximately 1.3-2.0 g/day or approximately 0.6% of the total energy intake. The overall ratio of Omega-6: Omega-3 fatty acids in the current North American diet ranges from 6:1 to approximately 10:1 (DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute, 2013).

References

DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute. (2013). Dietary Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

European Food Information Council (EUFIC). (2015). The importance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.