Toward a Targeted Nutritional Strategy for Restoring PUFA Balance: Socio-Economic, Cultural and Ecologic Contexts, Biochemical Rationale, and a Conceptual Framework for Dietary Modulation

This review outlines the health risks associated with excessive dietary intake of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA), which is highly prevalent in the Western diet. It proposes a targeted nutritional strategy to reduce n-6 PUFA overconsumption and increase n-3 PUFA intake, aiming to restore a healthier fatty acid balance and counteract imbalance-induced pathogenetic consequences. The conceptual framework builds on the foundational insights of William E. M. Lands regarding PUFA-driven eicosanoid imbalance. It extends these principles by integrating contemporary models of impaired adipose tissue expandability, functional lipodystrophy, insulin resistance, and ectopic lipid deposition as central mechanisms of lipotoxicity and as unifying drivers of the modern organo-metabolic spectrum of non-communicable diseases. The proposed nutritional strategy combines dietary modifications—such as avoiding seed oils and processed foods as well as products from industrialized animal farming, while prioritizing fatty fish and/or algae-derived supplements—with lifestyle interventions and ongoing laboratory monitoring. This approach is designed to lower chronic disease risk and improve overall metabolic resilience. In addition, Western-diet-related socioeconomic issues and ecological burdens are addressed. The objective of this review is to evaluate the biochemical and clinical relevance of HUFA imbalance and to assess the potential of dietary modulation of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs as a strategy to restore metabolic homeostasis. However, further research is required to corroborate the available findings before broader implementation of the proposed strategy can be recommended.