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Recent insights into dietary ω-6 fatty acid health implications using a systematic review

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Abstract

The American Heart Association suggests that consuming ω-6 fatty acids (5–10% of total energy) can prevent cardiovascular disease by improving lipoprotein profiles. However, some studies warn of deleterious effects of these due to eicosanoid biosynthesis. We explored the five years for clinical evidence of ω-6 fatty acids on several diseases including inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Predefined criteria identified a total of 21 articles in 5 databases. Some studies indicated that dietary arachidonic acid was not related to increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In cohort studies, ω-6 fatty acids prevented the onset of digestive and lung cancer. ω-6 Fatty acids improved blood lipoprotein profiles. Moreover, consuming ω-6 fatty acids delayed diabetes mellitus and chronic renal disease and had positive effects on muscle recovery and glaucoma. In conclusion, ω-6 fatty acids have beneficial effects on cancers, blood lipoprotein profiles, diabetes, renal disease, muscle function, and glaucoma without inflammation response.

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  1. Department of Food and Nutrition, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Korea

    Hyun Kyung Kim, Eun Young Kang & Gwang-woong Go

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Kim, H.K., Kang, E.Y. & Go, Gw. Recent insights into dietary ω-6 fatty acid health implications using a systematic review. Food Sci Biotechnol 31, 1365–1376 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-022-01152-6

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