Tag: Omega 6 side effects

While the body requires omega-6 fatty acids for essential functions, the modern Western diet often contains excessive amounts compared to anti-inflammatory omega-3s, leading to a problematic imbalance. Supplementing with additional omega-6 is not beneficial for everyone, especially those with certain chronic health conditions.

According to a 2022 study, a higher omega-6 fatty acid intake was moderately correlated with more intense headache episodes in patients with chronic tension-type headaches. These essential fatty acids, while necessary for the body, can be a potential trigger for head pain when consumed in excess and out of balance with omega-3s.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested that people should take no more than 5 g per day of combined EPA and DHA from supplements. Exceeding this limit, or otherwise overconsuming omega fatty acids, can lead to a variety of adverse effects on your health.

Before the 20th century, the average human intake of linoleic acid was only about 2% of total daily calories, but modern Western diets have dramatically increased this amount, raising concerns about what too much linoleic acid does to your body. The shift, largely driven by the widespread consumption of industrial seed oils, has led to a major imbalance in the body's essential fatty acid ratio.