Are there certain ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can be beneficial in a patient having had a stroke and exhibiting some aphasia?

Dear JO,

Aphasia is characterized by either partial or total loss of the communicative ability (this condition can occur following a stroke or other disorders). While www.dhaomega3.org does not make medical recommendations, there are essentially no evidence-based studies in peer-reviewed medical journals wherein varying amounts or ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 have been studied in this regard. There are a number of studies indicating that higher fatty fish consumption (up to 5 or more servings a week as a source of DHA/EPA (combined)) may have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of a stroke in aging healthy people over extended time periods. No corresponding studies with omega-3/omega-6 supplementation following a stroke or in those with aphasia have been reported to date. As an aside, it should be pointed out that a typical North American diet is already fairly high in omega-6 fatty acid (mainly as linoleic acid) with intakes approaching 12-15g/day. Omega-3 intakes in North America as DHA/EPA (combined) typically approach approximately 130-150 mg/day.