The good, the better and the best: Finding the right nutritional balance with Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acids and their ratio

Omega fatty acids content of food products allows food businesses to make nutrition content claims and, in some instances, also health claim(s). Omega fatty acids are known for their positive health effects. A question thus arises as to what Omega fatty acids are to be preferentially consumed, and whether consumers and food businesses need to maintain and identify the specific healthy ratio between Omega 6 and Omega 3 ratio in their food products. This article discusses the sources and health benefits of Omega fatty acids, the ideal ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acid consumption, and how or whether this fits within the current Australian and New Zealand nutrition and health claims framework.