Overview
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are fatty acids with multiple double bonds, divided into omega-3 (EPA, DHA, ALA) and omega-6 (arachidonic acid, linoleic acid) families. The omega-6:omega-3 ratio determines inflammatory tone — Western diets (~15:1) favor pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid metabolism, while ratios closer to 2:1 favor anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediator production.
Microbiome Interface
- PUFAs modulate gut microbiome composition: omega-3 supplementation increases Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium; omega-6 excess favors Enterobacteriaceae.
- Gut bacteria metabolize PUFAs, producing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and other bioactive lipid derivatives.
- PUFA membrane composition affects epithelial barrier integrity and susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.
Disease Relevance
- T1D: Omega-3 PUFAs ameliorate autoimmunity bi 2017 omega3 pufa ameliorate t1d autoimmunity.
- MS: Dietary PUFAs influence neuroinflammation katzsand 2018 diet ms mechanistic review.
- Hashimoto's: PUFA intake affects thyroid autoimmunity risk puszkarz 2018 food nutrition hashimotos prevention.
- ED: Altered fatty acid profiles in diabetic ED ben khedher 2017 fatty acids diabetic erectile dysfunction.
Cross-References
- omega 3 fatty acids — intervention page (EPA/DHA)
- arachidonic acid — primary omega-6 PUFA
- lipid metabolism — broader lipid context
- lipid peroxidation — PUFAs as oxidation targets
- inflammation — omega-6/omega-3 ratio determines inflammatory tone