omega 3&6

Question
a while ago, i told a VA doctor i wanted to start taking fish oil supplement. he said be sure to take one that has both omega3 and 6 in it. but never told me why. now i see on the internet that too much omega 6 is not good for you. so what should i take?? is the fish oil with 3 and 6 ok to take?

Answer
Hi Bob,

I'm not sure why your doctor told you to find a supplement with omega 6 fatty acids also.... most people get a whole lot of omega 6 and not enough omega 3.  That's why they take supplements to balance out the ratio.  Having a higher amount of omega 6 intake can affect the immune system... not so much that you would get ill all the time, but biochemically there is an effect and it does matter especially in the critically ill populations.
For a great and detailed explanation -- I hate to send you off to another website, but it's just a great summary that really answers a lot of your question -- see http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400149/balancing-omega-3-and-omega-6.html

One other point--I once had an eye doctor suggest I take flaxseed oil for omega 3 fatty acids (to help alleviate a condition called dry eye).  I told her I already had some fish oil capsules at home (although I hadn't actually been taking them) ... why would she prefer flaxseed to fish oil for the same purpose?
Her great answer--if you happen to burp a bit later you don't get the fishy taste :)

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