Re: Omega3/6 ratios

I agree that PUFAs such as Omega-3 are highly oxidative, especially when exposed to air.

However,

The damage to cellular proteins, lipids and DNA throughout the cell from free- radicals generated by mitochondria has also been implicated as a cause of aging.

The above statement is speculative and debatable.

Also,

Birds have more saturated lipid (and therefore reduced oxidizability) in their mitochondrial membranes and have higher levels of small-molecule antioxidants, such as ascorbate and uric acid.

While we are not birds, antioxidants and small molecule-anytioxidants do help protect against PUFA oxidative damage in people.

Yet, some have DNA issues that do not offer best protection from PUFA oxidative damage. Others with low nutrient intakes will not develop the proper cofactors in PUFA metabolism and oxidative protection. Low omega-3 utilization will create less flexible, more rigid, cell membranes. Omega-3s are important in nuclear hormone receptor activation for transcription factors such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and the retinoid X receptor.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TBT-4D4D1G7-1&...

My original question relates to the actual ratio of 3/6 omegas. People mindless of their intake of omega types will often have typical ratios of 6s outweighing 3s, 20 to 1, on average.