HS 180
Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acid research article questions
Directions: After reading the research article titled “The importance of a balanced omega-6 to
omega-3 ratio in the prevention and management of obesity” by Simopoulos and DiNicolantonio
answer the following questions.
1. What is the difference between brown fat and white fat?
Omega-6 is brown, Omega-3 is white. I honestly didn't see it defined in the article, so that was
just a guess. Sorry.
2. What is the effect of omega-6 fatty acids on insulin sensitivity?
It increases insulin sensitivity.
3. According to Figure 3, which 3 oils are highest in omega-3 fatty acids?
Walnut, Sunflower, and Safflower oils.
4. How has agriculture and food technology affected omega-6 fatty acids in the food supply?
Today, agricultural technology has led to a vast increase in vegetable oil production, and animals
are now fed grains instead of grass.
5. Per the article, what is the current ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid intake in the
Western diet? What is the recommended ratio and how can you get to this ratio?
16:1 is the current omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet of Western countries. 1:2/1 is the
recommended ratio and it can be obtained by eating more fish and changing cooking oils.
6. List how omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids affect the following (using Table 1):
Inflammation - omega-6 increases, omega-3 decreases
Formation of white adipose tissue - omega-6 increases, omega-3 decreases
TG - omega-6 increases, omega-3 decreases