Importance of a balanced omega 6/omega 3 ratio for the maintenance of health: nutritional recommendations.

The modification of dietary patterns has led to a change in fatty acid consumption, with an increase in the consumption of ω-6 fatty acids and a marked reduction in the consumption of ω-3 fatty acids. This in turn has given rise to an imbalance in the ω-6/ω-3 ratio, which is now very different from the original 1:1 ratio of humans in the past. Given the involvement of ω-6 and ω-3 essential fatty acids in disease processes, the present article examines changes in dietary patterns that have led to the present reduction in the consumption of ω-3 essential fatty acids, and to study the importance of the ω-6/ω-3 balance in maintaining good health. In addition, an assessment is made of the established recommendations for preventing a poor intake of ω-3 essential fatty acids, and the possible options for compensating the lack of these fatty acids in the diet.

[Hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers in a group of overweight and obese women]. / Parámetros hormonales e inflamatorios en un grupo de mujeres con sobrepeso/obesidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the hormonal and inflammatory status of a group of overweight/obese women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample studied was a crosssectional cohort of women > 18 years of age, BMI ≥ 25 < 40 kg/m², prior to starting a weight control program. Data collected were: demographic characteristics, blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, physical activity data, and biochemical, hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: The study involved 104 women with a mean age of 48.4 ± 9 years and a BMI of 29.8 ± 3.5 kg/m². Some 48% of the women studied were in menopause. Some 8.9% had hyperinsulinemia. The mean ghrelin value was 38.8 ± 33.6 pg/ml; there was no correlation between ghrelin levels and anthropometric and biochemical variables. CRP, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, IL6, IL10, and PAI1 were 3.0 ± 2.7 mg/dl, 36.3 ± 19.5 ng/ml, 8.3 ± 4.5 mg/ml, 24.3 ± 23.2 ng/ml, 51.6 ± 93.6 pg/ml, 10.0 ± 34.2 pg/ml and 22.3 ± 30.6 ng/ml, respectively. Obese patients had significantly higher mean values of resistin and PAI 1 than those who were overweight. These levels correlated significantly with anthropometric and biochemical variables; however, the correlations were weak. Age, menopause or the regular practice of physical activity had no effect on mean values. CONCLUSIONS: The group of women studied had altered inflammatory biomarkers in relation to people of normal weight. The study shows the inflammatory status of overweight/ obese individuals, and the values obtained may help to establish standard ranges for these markers.