Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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I have read over and over that balancing out the omega fats ratio helps with inflammatory foods.

Is there anyone with an understanding of biochemistry who can explain (go deep science jargon if you must) what is it in omega-3 fats that are anti-inflammatory in the human body and omega-6 fats pro-inflammatory? What is it about them that makes a human body see them and fire up such responses?

Don't be afraid of being over my head, you might be but it will give me something ask about to learn more.

flag	asked Oct 22 at 3:11 Anondson 4,033●4●16

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Well, at its heart is rather simple. omega-3, and omega-6's both have "cascades" of chemicals they are changed into. The o-3's products are primarily used in reducing bodily inflammation, the o-6's are primarily used in producing inflammation. Heres a wiki page with a picture about half way through showing the metabolisms: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… – Jamie Oct 22 at 4:03

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Its worth noting, that isnt all these molecules do (there are some pro and anti on each side). For further example, omega-6's like LA, and AA, are used to produce endocannabinoids, for use in the brain, and in the body. An end product endocannibinoids is the primary anti-inflammatory in the skin tissue, and endocannibinoids have a variety of other functions (exercise, pregnancy, pain reactions, noxiticity). So it is at its heart rather complex. But overall, you dont want too much of either, like almost everything theres a sweet spot, a u curve. – Jamie Oct 22 at 4:08

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agreed Jamie, as an example GLA & DGLA (both n-6 pufas) are purported to have anti-inflammatory properties en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Linolenic_acid & en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihomo-gamma-linolenic_acid & en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… – daz Oct 23 at 4:31

Jeff · Answer 1 · 2012-10-23 03:06:47Z UTC

If you look at figure 2 here, you'll see that each side (o-3s and 6s) share enzymes that allow the fatty acids to be elongated into the usable EPA/DHA, etc. So that's a reason to keep them in balance, so one side doesn't win the tug of war, so to speak.

Prostaglandins are derived from arachidonic acid (an omega 6), and some of them cause a rise in body temp, inflammation, and pain. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) activity of asprin work by inhibiting prostaglandin COX-2.

There are two pathways from arachidonic acid, cyclic and linear. Linear produces leukotrienes for normal immune responses, while the cyclic pathway results in the formation of thromboxanes and prostaglandins. These also function as a part of clotting and anti-clotting roles.

Lots of info here, trying to keep it brief while still address your request to learn more jargon.

A good book on all this stuff is 'Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism; by Gropper, Smith, and Groff

JayJay · Answer 2 · 2012-10-22 04:09:51Z UTC

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What great timing! I just read this today http://www.lucastafur.com/

answered Oct 22 at 4:09

JayJay
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Finally got a chance to read this. Thanks! – Anondson Oct 24 at 1:59

Bring out the science! In what way are omega-3/-6 fats inflammatory/anti-inflammatory

2 Answers