The association between excessive consumption of linoleic acid (omega 6) and a deficiency in alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3) promote transgenerational obesity, according to results of a study conducted by researchers at the CNRS, the INRA and the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, published on Friday, July 16.
But researchers believe that these two essential fatty acids may be beneficial to health if they are not consumed in an unbalanced way.
Gerard Ailhaud, a biochemist at the French university and head of the study explained: “this is the first time that we have shown a trans-generational increase in obesity linked to omega intake.”
“Omega six is like a fat-producing bomb,” he added.
To reach such conclusions, the researchers submitted four generations of mice to a Western style diet, resulting in a rich dietary intake of omega 6 and low in omega 3. Verdict, scientists have discovered an increase in fat mass of subjects over several generations, but also metabolic disorders such responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes.
The study authors point out that the amount of Omega-6 consumed in industrialized countries has increased 250% over the past four decades, while the amount of omega 3 fell 40%.