Understanding Omega 3 \ 6

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Overview
These two types of fat, omega-3 and omega-6, are both essential for human health.  However, the typical North American consumes far too many omega-6 fats in their diet while consuming very low levels of omega-3.  The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1.  However, today our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 averages from 20:1 to 50:1!  That spells serious danger, and is now being reported throughout even the mainstream health media, and stated on nutritional facts tables.

Where do omega fatty acids come from?
The primary sources of omega-6 are corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower oil – all of which are overabundant in the typical diet, which explains our excess omega-6 levels.  While omega-6 is vital to our health, avoiding or limiting the oils mentioned above is suggested.  Omega-3, meanwhile, is typically found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and fish.

The benefits of omega-3
By far, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in that last category, fish.  That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA Eicosapentaenoic acid .  These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases.  The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA - low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Researchers are now also linking inadequate intake of these omega-3 fats in pregnant women to premature birth and low birth weight, and to hyperactivity in children.

Summary Table of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturates Claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in Part D, Schedule M of the Food and Drug Regulations.

Claim	Conditions - Food	Conditions - Label or Advertisement
a) Source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids "source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids" "contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids" "provides omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids" Note: "polyunsaturated fatty acids" may be substituted with "polyunsaturated fat" or "polyunsaturates" in the above claims	The food (a) 0.3 g or more of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per reference amount and serving of stated size; or (b) 0.3 g or more of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per 100 g, if the food is a pre-packaged meal.	Must comply with the general requirements for nutrient content claims. Nutrition Facts table must include a declaration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids Nutrition Facts table required on products otherwise exempted by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) When used in an advertisement, must comply with the requirements for advertisements.
b) Source of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids "source of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids" "contains omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids" "provides omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids" Note: "polyunsaturated fatty acids" may be substituted with "polyunsaturated fat" or "polyunsaturates" in the above claims	The food contains: (a) 2 g or more of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids per reference amount and serving of stated size; or (b) 2 g or more of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids per 100 g, if the food is a pre-packaged meal.	See conditions set out for item a) of this table.