I recently discovered in an article[1] that more than 97% of the world’s population has an Ω6/Ω3 ratio greater than 3/1. The more this ratio is unbalanced, the more we shift into chronic inflammation, with all that this implies:

  • Obesity

  • Autoimmune disease

  • Cardiovascular risk

  • Strokes

  • Joint pain

  • Hormonal imbalance

Why this headlong rush?

Low-fat diets:
In the 1980s, “low-fat” diets and misconceptions about oils — like skipping salad dressing to “save calories” — pushed many people to drastically reduce their intake of healthy fats.

Industrial food:
At the same time, industrial food production flooded our plates with omega-6, while fragile omega-3s were destroyed during processing. The problem worsened when animals were switched from grass-based to grain-based diets, eliminating a natural source of omega-3.
Result: no more omega-3 in the diet!

The importance of proper supplementation

The real surprise for me was discovering that even people who consume omega-3 daily are still largely unbalanced.

There is a test carried out by a Norwegian laboratory based on a drop of blood placed on a filter paper. This BalanceTest has shown that 80% of people remain unbalanced.[2]

Why?

  • Poor quality supplements:
    Omega-3s oxidize easily. It is crucial to check the source and certifications (for example, EPAX, and a TOTOX < 10).

  • Inflammation 🔥:
    Chronic inflammation, found in obesity, autoimmune diseases, and many other pathologies, oxidizes the omega-3s consumed and makes them inactive. Even worse, supplementation can then become dangerous.

  • Aging:
    With age, the body becomes less efficient at converting plant-based omega-3 (ALA) into active forms (EPA and DHA). The rate drops below 1% for DHA, leaving the brain “dry.”

🥬 Vegans, vegetarians, and the elderly are therefore particularly vulnerable to deficiencies.

Why omega-3s are essential

Omega-3s are called essential: the body cannot produce them, so they must come from food or supplements. They play a central role in:

  • Cell communication and exchange – Without enough omega-3, cell membranes become rigid, preventing nutrients and signals from circulating properly. This rigidity is linked to insulin resistance, weight gain, and metabolic disorders.

  • Neurotransmitter synthesis and brain function – Omega-3s support serotonin and dopamine pathways – see Nourish your brain. Low levels are associated with depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline.

  • Flexibility of cell membranes – Indispensable for hormones and neurotransmitters to deliver their messages. An imbalance can contribute to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or hypothyroidism.

  • Blood circulation and vascular health – Omega-3s thin the blood and prevent clots by making small veins more flexible. A good balance reduces the risks of stroke, thrombosis, hypertension, and poor peripheral circulation (cold hands and feet).

  • Regulation of inflammation – Naturally anti-inflammatory, omega-3s protect against arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

  • Blood sugar control and fat metabolism – They help regulate insulin sensitivity and fat storage. Without them, the body more easily produces and retains adipocytes (fat cells), contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Solutions

Choose omega 3 content food:

  • Bleu-Blanc-Cœur (France)
  • American Grassfed Association (AGA) – USA
  • Pasture for Life – UK and parts of Europe
  • Certified Grassfed by AGW (A Greener World) – UK / International
  • Food Alliance Grassfed – USA

Before age 40:

  • Use omega-3 rich oils for dressings (rapeseed, flaxseed, walnut). Always cold-pressed, never heated, and stored in the fridge once opened.

  • For babies, enrich meals with small amounts of high-quality oils (e.g., organic flaxseed oil).

  • Always combine raw vegetables with a fat source — certain vitamins (like beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor) are fat-soluble and cannot be absorbed otherwise.

These labels guarantee grass-fed diets which, like Bleu-Blanc-Cœur, help restore a healthier omega-6 / omega-3 balance in food.

After age 40, the body no longer converts plant-based omega-3s efficiently. Two solutions:

  • 400g of fatty fish per week

  • Supplementation with both omega-3 and antioxidants

My recommendations

Simply consuming omega-3 is not enough if:

  • The source is oxidized, which easily happens if oils are poorly produced or stored.

  • Chronic inflammation prevents their absorption and use.

To avoid this, two key factors are essential:

  1. Reliable sourcing – choose supplements guaranteeing fresh, non-oxidized oils.

  2. Antioxidant synergy – pair omega-3s with antioxidants to protect them and ensure proper integration into cell membranes.

👉 The best supplement in my opinion: Balance Oil by Zinzino. 4 months are enough to return to balance.

Take a quick and easy test to check your balance: Balance Test.

⚠️ Medical note: Since omega-3s have a mild blood-thinning effect, people on anticoagulant medication should consult their doctor before supplementation.

[1] https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-025-02676-6

 

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