There is great controversy surrounding omega-6 fatty acids, as most people get too much in relation to their omega-3 fatty acid intake. However, there is some indication that people with MS do not process it as well, leading to lower levels than in people without MS. Some experts argue that it would be good for people with MS to add more dietary sources of omega-6 to their diets. Others argue that the evidence is just not there, and it should be avoided because of potential negative health consequences.
Why Should We Care About Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Linoleic Acid)?
Several studies have found low levels of linoleic acid in the blood, blood cells, brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) This may be due to a problem with how the bodies of people with MS metabolize dietary omega-6 fatty acids.A deficiency of linoleic acid makes symptoms worse in the animal model of MS, EAE. Adding linoleic acid seems to reduce clinical symptoms in these animals and provide a protective effect.
What Are Omega-6 Fatty Acids and How Do They Work?
Linoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. It is found in many vegetable oils, such as sunflower or safflower oils.As stated before, most people in industrialized nations consume far too much omega-6 fatty acids in relation to their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. This leads to or exacerbates negative health effects, such as coronary artery disease, arthritis and asthma, because of pro-inflammatory action of too much omega-6 in relation to omega-3.
However, as noted above, people with MS may metabolize omega-6 fatty acids differently and actually need more omega-6 than other people – although this still needs to be confirmed. It should be noted that myelin, which is the fatty sheath covering nerves that the immune system attacks in MS, has high concentrations of essential fatty acids – including omega-6.
How Effective Is It?
Three studies have been conducted with linoleic acid in people with MS, all of which were very small. They each lasted 24 to 36 months. The results were as follows:- No study showed impact on relapse rate
- No study showed impact on degree of disability
- In two of the studies, there were significant differences in the severity and duration of relapses
- Benefits were greater in participants with mild disability (EDSS of 2.0 or lower) than those of participants with greater disability
- Within the less disabled group the linoleic acid showed a slower progression of disability than in control group
- Regardless of how severe the participants’ MS was or duration of disease, linoleic acid was correlated with shorter relapses and less severe relapses.
Usual Dosage/How Taken
In the studies mentioned above, linoleic acid was taken in the form of sunflower oil (17 to 23 grams).Dietary sources of linoleic acid include:
- Flaxseeds
- Vegetable oils, including sunflower, safflower, flaxseed oil and sesame seed oil
- Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, pistachio nuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds)
- Olives and olive oil
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
- Poultry
- Eggs
Side Effects
Omega-6 fatty acids can cause the following side effects:- Possible diarrhea
- May cause elevated triglyceride levels
- Could cause vitamin E deficiency
- Taste may be unpleasant
Potential Interactions and Warnings
Omega-6 fatty acid supplements may interact with the following medications:- Blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or copidogrel (Plavix), as omega-6 intake could increase the risk of bleeding
- Phenothiazines (a class of medication used to treat schizophrenia), such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Stelazine), perphenazine (Trilafon), promethazine (Compazine), and thioridazine (Mellaril). Omega-6 fatty acids may interact with these drugs, leading to increased seizure risk.
