What is the optimal ratio of omega-3s?
Dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids varies within and between different human populations. NHANES III, the largest database of nutrient consumption of Americans, reports an average intake of EPA + DHA of 0 and <1 g/d of ALA. (22) The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 intake is estimated to be 20:1 in a modern Western diet and some speculate it could be closer to 50:1, compared with that of our Paleolithic ancestors who ate a diet much richer in omega-3's (estimated omega-3/omega-6 ratio of 1-2:1). (23,24) This dramatic dietary shift is thought to be related to an absolute reduction in fish consumption as well as a proportionate increased consumption of domestically farm raised fish. Meat and fish presently contain less omega-3 and more omega-6 fatty acids than in the past, secondary to use of commercial feeds high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 content. (25,26) Even cultivated vegetables are poor in omega-3 when compared with wild plants.(27) Processed pet foods follow a similar
