Who Should Not Take Omega-6 Supplements?

January 8, 2026 •

5 min read

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.

Quick Summary

Individuals with certain health conditions should avoid or be cautious with omega-6 supplements. This includes people with a history of seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and poorly managed diabetes. High omega-6 intake can raise triglyceride levels, worsen inflammation, and potentially increase health risks in susceptible individuals.

Key Points

Seizure Disorders: Individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy should not take omega-6 supplements, as compounds like evening primrose oil may lower the seizure threshold.
COPD Sufferers: People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease should avoid omega-6 supplements because they can worsen breathing difficulties.
Diabetes Patients: Those with poorly managed diabetes or high blood pressure should be cautious, as high omega-6 intake can negatively affect blood pressure and lipid levels.
High Triglycerides: Individuals with elevated triglyceride levels should avoid omega-6 supplements, as they can further increase triglyceride concentrations.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Due to insufficient safety data, omega-6 supplements are generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inflammatory Conditions: People with chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases should be mindful of their omega-6 intake, as an imbalance with omega-3s can promote inflammation.
Pre-Surgery: Before any surgical procedure, it is important to discuss all supplements, including omega-6, with a doctor, as they may impact blood clotting.
Drug Interactions: Anyone on prescription medications, particularly blood thinners, should consult a healthcare provider before taking omega-6 supplements due to potential interactions.

Understanding the Omega-6 and Omega-3 Balance

Omega-6 and omega-3 are both polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) essential for human health. They play crucial roles in cellular function, inflammation, and blood clotting. However, their effects are often in opposition: omega-6s tend to be pro-inflammatory, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. A healthy ratio between the two is vital, but the standard Western diet is typically skewed, with far more omega-6 than omega-3.

High dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids comes from common sources like vegetable oils (corn, sunflower, soybean), processed foods, and grain-fed animal products. For most people, dietary intake is more than sufficient, and supplementation is unnecessary. For some, adding more can have detrimental effects, exacerbating existing health issues rather than improving them. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Who Should Avoid Omega-6 Supplements?

For certain individuals, the risks associated with supplementing with concentrated omega-6 sources, such as evening primrose oil or borage oil, outweigh any potential benefits. These risks are particularly relevant for those managing specific chronic conditions.

Individuals with a history of seizures

Omega-6 supplements derived from sources like evening primrose oil and borage oil have been shown to potentially lower the seizure threshold. This makes them particularly dangerous for individuals with epilepsy or a history of seizures, as it could increase the frequency or severity of episodes. It is critical for anyone on anticonvulsant medication to discuss all supplements with their physician before use.

People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

According to WebMD, omega-6 fatty acid supplements can make breathing more difficult for those with COPD. The inflammatory effects of excessive omega-6 intake could potentially worsen the symptoms of this chronic lung disease, which is characterized by ongoing inflammation and airflow obstruction.

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes

High dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids can negatively impact blood pressure in people with diabetes. Furthermore, uncontrolled or high doses of these supplements may affect triglyceride and blood sugar levels, complicating the management of the disease. Patients with diabetes should focus on a balanced diet rich in omega-3s and consult their doctor before taking any omega-6 supplements.

Those with high triglyceride levels

Omega-6 fatty acid supplements have been reported to raise triglyceride levels in some individuals. Since high triglycerides are a known risk factor for heart disease, those with already elevated levels should avoid supplementing with omega-6 to prevent a further increase in cardiovascular risk.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Information regarding the safety of omega-6 supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding women is limited. For this reason, medical professionals advise staying on the safe side and avoiding their use during pregnancy and lactation. This precaution is also relevant for general omega-3-6-9 supplements.

Before and after surgery

Omega fatty acid supplements in general can slow blood clotting. While this is a more pronounced risk with high-dose omega-3s, it is a consideration for combination omega supplements as well. Individuals with upcoming surgery or those taking blood-thinning medication like warfarin should seek medical advice before use.

Comparing Omega-6 and Omega-3 Effects

It is crucial to understand the distinct roles these essential fatty acids play, especially when considering supplementation.


Feature	Omega-6 Fatty Acids (e.g., Linoleic Acid)	Omega-3 Fatty Acids (e.g., EPA, DHA)
Primary Function	Cell structure, signaling, can be pro-inflammatory	Reduces inflammation, supports brain and heart health
Common Dietary Sources	Vegetable oils (corn, sunflower, soy), processed foods	Oily fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, walnuts
Risk of Excess Supplementation	May worsen inflammatory conditions, increase blood pressure	Can increase bleeding risk in high doses (>3g daily)
Typical Western Diet Intake	Often excessively high, creating an imbalance	Often too low, requiring deliberate intake
Supplements to be Cautious with	Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil	High-dose Fish Oil, Cod Liver Oil

The Pro-inflammatory Pathway

While omega-6s are essential, their metabolism in the body can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory compounds. When the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is excessively high, this pro-inflammatory response can dominate, contributing to systemic issues. This is particularly concerning for those with autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Natural Sources vs. Supplements

Most people can obtain all the omega-6 they need through a typical diet without supplements. Healthy sources of omega-6 include nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. However, modern diets often feature processed foods and fried items that contain a far higher proportion of omega-6 than is ideal for a healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.

For those looking to balance their intake, the focus should be on increasing omega-3 consumption from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, rather than adding more omega-6 via supplements. Many studies suggest that the health benefits of balancing these fatty acids are best achieved by prioritizing a lower overall omega-6/omega-3 ratio, which is more effective for reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.

Conclusion

While omega-6 fatty acids are a necessary part of a healthy diet, supplementation is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with conditions like epilepsy, COPD, diabetes, and high triglycerides should be particularly cautious and seek professional medical advice before considering omega-6 supplements. For the general population, improving the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 through dietary changes is often a healthier approach than adding more omega-6 via supplements. Prioritizing foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, such as fish and flaxseed, can help achieve a more favorable balance and mitigate the risks associated with excessive omega-6 intake. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs.

What are the risks associated with high omega-6 intake?

Inflammation: An imbalanced, high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 can promote a pro-inflammatory state in the body, which is linked to numerous chronic diseases.
Cardiovascular risks: Excessive omega-6, especially in supplement form, can potentially increase blood pressure and the risk of blood clots in susceptible individuals.
Weight gain: Some studies suggest that a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is associated with an increased risk of obesity.
Blood lipid issues: Omega-6 supplements may raise triglyceride levels in some people.
Worsened symptoms: Certain conditions, such as COPD and arthritis, may see aggravated symptoms with excessive omega-6 intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, omega-6 supplements, especially those derived from evening primrose or borage oil, can interact with certain medications. It is particularly important to consult a doctor if you are on blood thinners or anticonvulsants, as these supplements can influence blood clotting and seizure thresholds.

Symptoms are generally related to an imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio rather than specific omega-6 side effects. These can include increased inflammation, which may manifest as joint pain, fatigue, or skin issues, and can worsen conditions like arthritis.

Yes. The omega-6 fatty acids obtained from a balanced diet, such as nuts and seeds, are generally well-tolerated. The primary concern is the excessive amount of omega-6 found in highly processed foods and the imbalance it creates with omega-3s. Supplementation adds concentrated amounts that may be problematic for some.

Instead of focusing on reducing all omega-6s, the most effective strategy is to increase your intake of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. This can be achieved by eating more fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, while also limiting processed vegetable oils.

While omega-6 is not inherently bad, it is a precursor to pro-inflammatory molecules. In a diet already high in omega-6, supplements can create an excess that promotes a chronic inflammatory state, which is linked to various diseases.

Experts suggest a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, ideally between 1:1 and 4:1. The typical Western diet, however, often has a much higher ratio, sometimes as high as 15:1 or more, due to high consumption of processed foods and vegetable oils.

Yes. For example, some omega-6 supplements, such as evening primrose oil, contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can have anti-inflammatory effects, but also carry specific risks, such as lowering the seizure threshold. The overall balance and individual health conditions are key factors.

Yes, for the vast majority of people, it is very easy to get enough omega-6 from their diet. This is because omega-6 fatty acids are abundant in common foods like vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, making supplementation largely unnecessary and potentially harmful for certain groups.