Fat Tissue Location Affects Omega-3 and Omega-6 Storage in People with Obesity and High Blood Sugar
This study looked at fatty tissue samples taken during bariatric surgery from 30 adults with obesity, comparing fat collected from just under the skin (subcutaneous) versus fat surrounding internal organs (visceral). Researchers measured levels of key polyunsaturated fats, including arachidonic acid (an omega-6), EPA, and DHA (both omega-3s).
They found that subcutaneous fat consistently held higher concentrations of arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA compared to visceral fat, regardless of how the fats were stored (as triglycerides, phospholipids, or other lipid forms). Additionally, people with hyperglycemia (elevated fasting blood sugar) had higher levels of arachidonic acid and DHA compared to those with normal blood sugar, though these differences varied depending on the specific fat storage type being examined.
The findings suggest that where fat is stored in the body, and a person’s blood sugar status, may both influence how omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are distributed and used within fat tissue.
What this means for you
This research highlights that fatty acid storage isn’t uniform across the body and may shift with metabolic health status, but it doesn’t test any supplement or intervention—so it can’t tell us whether changing omega-3 intake would alter these tissue patterns or affect blood sugar.
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Journal of lipid research · 2026-07-17 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2026.101106
Read the original source ↗This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.