Birds that have more omega-6 fats in their bodies use about 11% less energy when flying long distances compared to birds with different kinds of fats — at least in starlings tested in labs.

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Pro

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Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Community contributions welcome

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The energy savings-oxidative cost trade-off for migratory birds during endurance flight

Randomized Controlled Trial

Animal

2020 Dec 11

The study found that birds burning more omega-6 fats used about 11% less energy during long flights, just like the claim says, so it supports the idea that this type of fat gives them a boost.

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

The energy savings-oxidative cost trade-off for migratory birds during endurance flight

Score: 14

DOI: 10.7554/eLife.60626

Similar Assertions

Starlings burn the same amount of energy at rest no matter what kind of fat they eat or whether they’ve been trained to fly — the energy savings from certain fats only kick in when they’re actually flying.

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14

90%

Starlings that have more omega-6 fats in their bodies don’t seem worse off right after long flights, but over time, those fats lead to more cell damage — like a hidden cost that shows up later.

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89%

Migratory birds burn fat to fly long distances, and when their fat has more omega-6, they use less energy to fly—but it comes at a cost: more cell damage over time. It's like getting better gas mileage in a car that wears out faster.

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86%