A balance n-6/n-3 ratio in the diet is essential for normal growth and development and should lead to decrease in cardiovascular disease and other chronic disease. An adequate intake has been estimated for n-6 and n-3 essential fatty acids by an international scientific working group. For Western Societies, it will be necessary to decrease the intake of n-6 fatty acids and increase the intake of n-3 fatty acids. However, they are highly unsaturated and therefore more sensitive to oxidation damage. Nutritional recommendations for disease prevention should take into account the pharmacological properties of n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA and docosahexaeonic acid, DHA)
