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. 2013 Feb;2(3):325-336.

Impact of omega-6 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A review

Shweta Khandelwal  1 , Laura Kelly  2 , Richa Malik  3 , Dorairaj Prabhakaran  4 , Srinath Reddy  3
Affiliations

Impact of omega-6 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A review

Shweta Khandelwal et al. J Preventive Cardiol. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have usually been associated with beneficial health effects on early life and later life disease such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Emerging evidence, however, suggests that PUFA species (n-3, n-6) have differential health effects. N-6 PUFAs, in particular, have sparked a scientific debate regarding their role in human physiological processes. Current dietary recommendations for n-6 fatty acids have been based on animal studies, insufficient epidemiological evidence and mixed PUFA interventions, therefore, require reconsideration. This review has analyzed human epidemiological and interventional studies, published in the last five years, focusing on n-6 fatty acids' impact on CVD outcomes (CVD events, blood lipids, blood pressure, inflammation, oxidative stress/atherosclerosis). The evidence is mixed, with differential effects within the n-6 fatty acid series. These outcomes are also dependent on ethnicity and background health status. Further, data from developing countries are sparse, thus, well designed intervention trials and population based studies in developing country settings on specific n-6 fatty acid intake and health effects are desired.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disorders; Chronic diseases; Omega-6 fatty acids; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Review; Risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
QUOROM flowchart for study inclusion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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