The Debate about n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Recommendations for Cardiovascular Health

The ongoing debate about n-6 fatty acid recommendations was the impetus for the AHA Science Advisory that framed the cardiovascular benefits of a diet that provides 5% to 10% of energy from n-6 PUFA (3). The voice of opposition to this recommendation has built their argument on the hypothesis that LA adversely affects inflammation by increasing pro-inflammatory metabolites. However, based on a large and impressive evidence base, n-6 PUFA reduces risk of CHD. Thus, planning diets that meet current recommendations for n-6 PUFA and include all other recommendations for heart health (19) (eg, reducing SFA, trans-fatty acids, and sodium, as well as increasing dietary fiber) will achieve the greatest benefit of diet on reducing cardiovascular disease risk. As summarized herein, different strategies are presented to meet fatty acid recommendations that increase n-6 PUFA and decrease SFA, decrease SFA and maintain PUFA, and increase n-6 PUFA in diets that provide less than 5% of energy.