Fatty Acids in Meat and Poultry May Boost Human Metabolism, Purdue Study Finds
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly associated with fish oil, are widely regarded for their heart health benefits, but a lesser-known counterpart, omega-6 fatty acids found in meat and poultry, may also offer metabolic advantages.
A team of researchers at Purdue University, led by Assistant Professor James Markworth, is investigating how these fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid, affect human health.
Arachidonic acid, a long-chain omega-6 fat, is unique to animal products such as meat, poultry, and eggs and cannot be found in plant or fish sources.
“The long-chain versions found in animal products could potentially have similar benefits to those found in fish oil,” says Markworth, challenging the common perception that animal fats are universally harmful.
Markworth’s research, which includes collaboration with experts in gut microbiomes and animal sciences, aims to uncover how both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids interact with the body’s metabolism, particularly in skeletal muscle.
“Skeletal muscle is the largest organ responsible for glucose disposal and insulin sensitivity, so it directly affects metabolic health, obesity, and diabetes,” explains Markworth.
The role of gut bacteria is also a key focus of the study. The team is exploring how these microbes influence the body’s reaction to dietary fats.
Past studies have shown that the benefits of omega-3s, such as those found in fish oil, can be significantly reduced when antibiotics are introduced, hinting at the vital role of the gut microbiome in mediating health effects.
“We’re beginning to understand that gut bacteria play a crucial role in how our body processes these fats,” says Tzu-Wen Cross, a collaborator and assistant professor of nutrition science at Purdue.
“But there’s still so much to learn about how we can modify the microbiome to improve health outcomes.”
Markworth’s study is part of a broader effort to understand how different types of dietary fats, particularly those derived from meat and poultry, influence human health.
His work could shift the dialogue around omega-6 fats, which are often seen as detrimental in comparison to omega-3s and help better understand their role in promoting metabolic health.
As the research progresses, the hope is to clarify which fats provide the most significant benefits and how they can be optimized in the diet.
The team’s findings could also provide insights into how these fatty acids may be used to combat conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.
Discover the health benefits of omega-6 fatty acids in meat and poultry and explore more on how these fats influence metabolism on our homepage.
