Our Mission
InflammaFree Certified stands for more than just nutrition—it represents equity, health, and empowerment. Our mission is to transform the food environment to explicitly consider and support the unique nutritional needs of all communities, but especially those that have been historically marginalized and underserved. By focusing on reducing chronic inflammation—a key factor linked to many poor life outcomes disproportionately affecting Black individuals—we aim to close gaps in health and societal outcomes.
Founding Story
InflammaFree was founded to address disparities in health caused by chronic inflammation resulting from poor dietary balance. We recognized that, regardless of socioeconomic status, even many educated and wealthy Black individuals experience health outcomes no better than those of working-class White individuals. This highlights that the issue isn't just about access to resources—it's about the food environment itself being stacked against them.
The pervasive presence of foods high in omega-6 fatty acids makes it incredibly difficult for Black individuals in particular to maintain a healthy omega balance. This means that for the roughly 80% of Black individuals who have a FADS gene variant, which can lead to increased inflammation when consuming diets high in linoleic acid (LA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid, even when they are in affluent settings, they are likely consuming diets high in omega-6, making them more susceptible to health issues due to this genetic predisposition.
The Problem We Solve
Chronic inflammation is a major underlying factor in many health issues and poor life outcomes, disproportionately impacting Black communities. An imbalanced intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids significantly contributes to this problem. While many factors influence inflammation, the high consumption of LA leading to excess arachidonic acid (AA) is particularly impactful for those with certain genetic traits. This heightened inflammation makes individuals more sensitive to other environmental assaults, further stacking the odds against them.
Our current food environment favors foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, limiting options for balanced nutrition. By promoting a healthier omega balance, we aim to reduce chronic inflammation and its associated risks. Our certification helps consumers identify products that support this balance, empowering them to make informed dietary choices and paving the way toward equitable health outcomes for all.