8 February 2013
Recent research suggests a relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid, and elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Deficiencies in folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 promote elevated homocysteine levels.
The subjects included 96 severe obese and 65 normal weight individuals. Researchers measured plasma fatty acids, as well as serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels.
The researchers showed that fatty acids and homocysteine levels were similar among the obese and normal weight subjects, whereas vitamin B12 and folate levels were lower in the obese group compared to the normal weight subjects. Increased homocysteine levels correlated with increased omega-6 fatty acid levels and decreased omega-3 fatty acid levels. The investigators also found that omega-6 fatty acids negatively correlated with omega-3 fatty acids, meaning as omega-6 fatty acids increased, omega-3 fatty acids decreased.
The researchers showed that as serum vitamin B12 levels increased, omega-3 fatty acids and the omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratio also increased, while omega-6 fatty acids decreased. Additionally, increased folic acid levels correlated to increased omega-3 fatty acids in the obese subjects.
The researchers stated, “Our results suggest an association between the plasma omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids and serum homocysteine concentrations in severe obese and normal weight subjects. Low levels [of] vitamin B12 and folic acid may have been responsible for the elevated homocysteine levels in severe obese subjects, increasing the risk for future development of cardiovascular diseases.”
Reference:
Mehmetoglu I, et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;4:519-25.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid Levels Associated with Homocysteine Levels
