Episode #151: Dr. Bill Harris: Fatty Acids and The Omega-3 Index

I’m joined by Dr. Bill Harris, PhD, FASN, President of the Fatty Acid Research Institute and Founder of OmegaQuant Analytics. We’re diving into omega-6s and omega-3s and discussing the benefits of these fatty acids and where they come from. We also cover the importance of maintaining a ratio of omega-6 and omega-3, and whether or not omega-3s have an effect on blood clotting and blood circulation.

Dr. Harris has been a leading researcher in the omega-3 fatty acid field for over 40 years. He has more than 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, the vast majority on omega-3. He has been on the faculty of three medical schools (Universities of Kansas, Missouri (at Kansas City), and South Dakota), and has received 5 NIH grants to study omega-3. He was the co-author on three AHA statements on fatty acids and heart health. As the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index (and other omega-3 blood tests) and founder of OmegaQuant Analytics, Dr. Harris has been ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on the impact of his research.

What we discuss:

00:02:38 - Omega-3s and their effects on blood clotting and blood circulation

00:07:23 - The value of omega-6

00:11:54 - The ratio of omega-6 and omega-3

00:18:03 - Where do arachidonic acid and linoleic acid come from, and what do they do?

00:21:32 - The signs and symptoms of omega-6 deficiency

00:25:22 - The components of omega-3s

00:31:04 - EPA and DHA

00:41:35 - Is there a relationship between omega-6 and omega-3 levels and longevity?

00:46:31 - Fish as a source of omega-3

00:57:21 - Mammalian sourced omega-3s

01:01:34 - What should people be looking out for in their supplements?

01:06:35 - 3 things to keep in mind about omega-3s and omega-6s

Key Takeaways:

Looking at levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the blood can predict future diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Higher levels of linoleic acid in the blood are associated with lower risk for these diseases.
Increasing your levels of omega-3 is more important than worrying about getting your omega-6 levels down in order to have a good ratio between the two. It is also important to focus on EPA and DHA when it comes to types of omega-3s.
It’s important to measure your omega-3 levels. These levels are predictive of good health outcomes and even cholesterol levels. Oily fish like salmon and mackerel are great sources of omega-3s.

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