Association of Higher Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Diet with Higher Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in North India

The epidemic of obesity and hypertension over the last two decades, in the middle and high income countries is associated with marked rise in the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS), CAD, type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction and stroke and the total burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1-4]. The metabolic syndrome is associated with constellation of metabolic disturbances, of all the risk factors for CVD, [4]. MS appears to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity due to CVD and diabetes [5-9]. In the 1920s, Kylin, a Swedish physician, described MS, as the clustering of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and gout [10]. However, the concept of the MS has existed for at least 80 years [4]. In 1947, Vague [11], drew attention to upper body adiposity (android or male-type obesity) as the obesity phenotype that was commonly associated with metabolic abnormalities characterized with type 2 diabetes and CVD. There is urgent need for strategies to prevent the emerging global epidemic, as this syndrome appears to be a master of disguise since it can present in various ways according to the various components that constitute the syndrome [3-9]. Reaven [12], described the MS as syndrome X, De Fronzo et al. [13], as the insulin resistance syndrome, and Kaplan [14], the deadly quartet. The MS represents a constellation of metabolic abnormalities including glucose intolerance (type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glycaemia), insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which are well known risk factors for CAD [2,3]. Epidemiological studies suggest that primary risk factors such as physical inactivity and unbalanced nutritional consumption of excess calories, simple refined carbohydrates with a high glycemic index and load of high saturated fat (SF), trans fatty acids (TFA), and high w-6/w-3 ratio and lower monounsaturated fatty acids, in the diet are pro-inflammatory [8-15], and contribute to the escalating rates of obesity, MS and mortality due to CVD [1-16].