Fat Tissue Location Matters: Omega-3 and Omega-6 Levels Differ Between Belly Fat Types in Obesity
This study looked at fat samples taken from two different areas of body fat—visceral fat (deep around organs) and subcutaneous fat (just under the skin)—in 30 adults with obesity who were undergoing bariatric surgery. Researchers measured levels of several fatty acids, including the omega-3s EPA and DHA and the omega-6 arachidonic acid (ARA), and compared people with normal blood sugar to those with elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
They found that subcutaneous fat consistently contained higher amounts of ARA, EPA, and DHA than visceral fat, regardless of how the fat was broken down into different lipid types (such as triglycerides or phospholipids). Additionally, people with hyperglycemia had higher levels of ARA and DHA than those with normal blood sugar, though the pattern varied depending on the specific fat molecule type being examined.
The findings suggest that where fat is stored in the body—and a person’s blood sugar status—may influence how fatty acids, including omega-3s, accumulate and are used in fat tissue.
What this means for you
This research doesn’t test a supplement or diet directly, but it adds to our understanding of how omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are distributed differently across body fat depots and how this may relate to metabolic health in people with obesity. It highlights that fatty acid storage patterns are complex and depend on both fat location and blood sugar status, rather than pointing to any specific dietary or supplement recommendation.
Ready to start? The ALP Protocol delivers the EPA & DHA doses used in the research.
Start the ALP ProtocolThis summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.