Season 3 - Episode 3: Omega-3s, Omega-6s & Dairy Fat: Cutting Through the Noise with Dr. Kevin Maki

In this episode of Focus, Faith & Fueling: The Winning Edge, Dr. Kevin Maki joins SPAN Athletics to unpack what omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids really mean for clinicians, coaches, parents, and athletes who want science-based guidance instead of social media soundbites. We explore how to think about the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, the strongest evidence for cardiometabolic benefits of omega-3s, and what current data actually show about linoleic acid, inflammation, and chronic disease risk. Dr. Maki translates decades of fatty acid research into practical eating patterns, including how to approach fish intake, seed oils, nuts, and when supplementation makes sense for specific populations and active individuals. We then dive into full-fat dairy, the “dairy matrix,” and why newer studies challenge the old low-fat dogma for cardiometabolic health. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Maki offers clear, evidence-anchored soundbites to help reframe fears about saturated fat and seed oils, and highlights key research questions that will shape the future of performance and prevention nutrition.