We tend to regard omega-3 as anti-inflammatory and omega-6 as pro-inflammatory, but the relationship of these polyunsaturated fatty acids is more complex,

The research used the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children which collected data from people at birth through to adulthood over the past 30 years.

Researchers measured inflammation using biomarkers in the blood and found higher levels of omega-3 fats – naturally occurring in oily fish and commonly taken in supplements for anti-inflammatory benefits – were actually associated with increased levels of inflammation.

 Additionally, a larger omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio was also consistently associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers found in the body.