The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee Omega-3 vs Omega-6: The TRUTH About Inflammation and Cancer Risk with Dr. Calvin Ye
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Dec 9, 2025 Dr. Kaixiong (Calvin) Ye, a genetic epidemiologist from the University of Georgia, dives deep into the world of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. He debunks myths about omega-6 being harmful, revealing its essential roles in health. Dr. Ye discusses how both fatty acids are linked to lower cancer risk and clarifies the misleading omega-6:omega-3 ratio. He also highlights the impact of genetics on omega-3 metabolism and how future precision nutrition will personalize dietary recommendations. A must-listen for health enthusiasts!
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Both Omegas Can Be Beneficial
- Both omega-3 and omega-6 are associated with lower all-cause mortality when analyzed separately.
- The omega-6:omega-3 ratio can mislead because omega-3 has a stronger protective effect than omega-6.
Omega-6 Plays Dual Roles
- Omega-6 participates in both inflammatory and inflammation-resolution pathways.
- Labeling omega-6 simply as pro-inflammatory is an oversimplification.
Blood Biomarkers Beat Self-Report
- UK Biobank provided objective blood biomarkers of omega-3 and omega-6, avoiding unreliable self-report.
- Those biomarkers enabled robust associations between fatty acids and disease outcomes.