I went out and bought omega-3 supplements as you suggest (flax seed oil and omega-3 fish capsules), but they also contain omega-6. Didn’t you say that is harmful? Why would the supplements have it?
Good question. Both omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids are both “essential fatty acids,” because they are not made in your body and must be obtained in your diet. All of the other fatty acids can be synthesized from other substances in your body. I imagine that your supplements have both omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids because both are essential fatty acids.
However, the typical American diet includes too much omega-6 fatty acids and too little omega-3 fatty acids. As I previously described the omega-3 fatty acids have numerous benefits, including a reduction in sudden cardiac death of more than 50% in some studies. Too much of the omega-6 fatty acids may increase irregular heart beats, blood clots, and in some studies strongly promotes some types of cancer.
I recommend taking small amounts of fish oil and flax seed oil — 2 grams per day of each — to provide the omega-3 fatty acids without taking extra omega-6 fatty acids. The only exception is for me who have prostate cancer or who are at risk for it. Dr. Charles Myers at the University of Virginia Medical School has evidence indicating that flax seed oil may promote the growth of prostate tumors. Someone with prostate cancer should avoid flax seed oil and instead take 2-3 grams per day of fish oil.