Figure 9.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet are commonplace with overconsumption of omega-6 and limited consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in most Western diets. As this figure depicts, omega-6 fatty acids act as precursors for many proinflammatory/prothrombotic compounds (cyclooxygenases, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes) whereas omega-3 fatty acids are less thrombotic and inflammatory. Ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the range of 10:1 have been suggested during proliferative and remodeling stages of wound healing while an optimum ratio after wound healing to promote cardiovascular health would be <3:1. Adapted from González-Périz and Clària¹¹⁶ with permission from Joan Clària.