What is Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids?
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids measure the percentage of omega-6 fats in your blood. These are essential fats obtained through food and play roles in cell structure, signalling, and overall metabolic balance.
Why does it matter for long-term health and wellbeing?
The amount of omega-6 you carry influences inflammation balance, energy regulation, and how efficiently your cells function day to day.
What’s an optimal level of Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids?
- Optimal range: 26–<35%
- Laboratory reference range: 24.85–44.15%
Staying within the optimal range supports a more balanced fatty-acid profile alongside omega-3s.
What influences Total Omega-6 Fatty Acid levels?
Dietary patterns, intake of nuts, seeds, plant oils, and ultra-processed foods, as well as your balance of omega-3-rich foods, can shift your levels.
What does it mean if Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids are outside the optimal range?
Levels higher or lower than ideal may suggest your daily intake or fatty-acid balance could be refined for better metabolic support and cellular performance.
How can I support healthy Total Omega-6 levels?
Focus on whole foods, include a consistent source of omega-3s (such as oily fish), and reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods to maintain a more balanced fatty-acid profile.
This information is provided for general health and wellness purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
References
- Meyer, B. J. (2016). Australians are not meeting the recommended intakes for omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutrients, 8(3), 111
- National Health and Medical Research Council. (2013). Australian Dietary Guidelines. NHMRC.
- Meyer, B. J., Mann, N. J., Lewis, J. L., Milligan, G. C., Sinclair, A. J., & Howe, P. R. C. (2003). Dietary intakes and food sources of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Australia. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 47(5), 195–199.\
- Burdge, G. C., & Calder, P. C. (2015). Biomarkers of omega-3 fatty acid status. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 74(3), 273–280
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