Costs
If added to the diet using sunflower or safflower oil, this is extremely inexpensive. Flaxseed oil can be fairly expensive.Additional Information/Points
Balance: In general, it is rare for people in the U.S. (and other Western countries) to have deficiencies of omega-6 fatty acids. It is very important to have a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, ideally one omega-3 to four omega-6. The ideal ratio is considered to be one omega-3 fatty acids to four omega-6 fatty acids. A typical U.S. diet contains 15 to 30 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. Be aware of this and make an effort to add in omega-3 oils if you are going to supplement with omega-6 sources (except flaxseed, which contains both in the appropriate ratio).
Cancer? Animal studies have shown that supplementation of omega-6 fatty acids may cause an increase in cancer risk, although a meta-analysis of all animal and human studies determined that this was unlikely. There is some evidence that an unbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (mostly through corn oil consumption) seems to increase the risk of men developing prostate cancer.
Linoleic vs. Alpha-Linoleic vs. Gamma-Linoleic Acids: Be careful not to confuse these! Linoleic acid is another name for omega-6 fatty acids, while alpha-linoleic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. Evening primrose oil, which is commonly taken as an alternative MS therapy in Europe, contains gamma-linoleic acid (which linoleic acid is converted into in the body), as well as linoleic acid. Note: The information in this article is not inclusive of data around evening primrose oil.
Flaxseed Note: If you are going to increase your consumption of omega-6 fatty acids through eating flaxseed oil, please be aware that flaxseed oil should never be heated, as this damages they oil. It also has a very short shelf life and should be refrigerated in an opaque bottle. Discard any flaxseed oil that smells rancid (described by many as “skunky”).
My Bottom Line
Honestly, I find the whole omega-6 thing pretty confusing. I know I need to get more omega-3 fatty acids, and should concentrate on eating more fish to do so (or take supplements). However, I am not sure what to do about omega-6, as all the messages about health issues for people without MS tell us to reduce our omega-6 intake. I have to assume that I am just as susceptible to cardiovascular problems as the next person, so I think I will take the path of watching my omega-6 intake for the moment, while increasing my omega-3 consumption.I certainly know I will not be supplementing with omega-6 until more conclusive research demonstrating the positive benefits of omega-6 on MS progression or disability are available. My exception to this would be to consider using flaxseed oil in salads.
Sources:
Schwarz S, Leweling H. Multiple sclerosis and nutrition. Mult Scler. 2005 Feb;11(1):24-32.
Bowling, Allen C. Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Multiple Sclerosis. 2nd ed. Demos Publishing: New York. 2007.
Harbige LS, Sharief MK. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the pathogenesis and treatment of multiple
sclerosis. Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S46-53.
