Omega-6 fatty acid



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Types of fats in food
See also
See Nomenclature of essential fatty acids for terms and discussion of ω (omega) nomenclature.

ω−6 fatty acids (also spelled n−6 or omega-6 fatty acids) are a family of ω−6 position; that is, the sixth carbon from the end of the fatty acid.

The biological effects of the ω−6 fatty acids are largely mediated by their interactions with the Essential fatty acid interactions for more information.)

prostaglandins and other physiologically active molecules.

Some medical research has suggested that excessive levels of ω−6 fatty acids, relative to ω−3 fatty acids, may increase the probability of a number of diseases and depression. Modern Western diets typically have ratios of ω−6 to ω−3 in excess of 10 to 1, some as high as 30 to 1. The optimal ratio is thought to be 4 to 1 or lower.[1]

Dietary Sources

Dietary sources of ω−6 fatty acids include:[2]

  • nuts
  • cereals
  • whole-grain breads
  • most vegetable oils
  • eggs and poultry
  • baked goods

List of ω−6 fatty acids

Common name Lipid name Chemical name
Linoleic acid 18:2 (n−6) 9,12-octadecadienoic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid 18:3 (n−6) 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid
Eicosadienoic acid 20:2 (n−6) 11,14-eicosadienoic acid
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid 20:3 (n−6) 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid
Arachidonic acid 20:4 (n−6) 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid
Docosadienoic acid 22:2 (n−6) 13,16-docosadienoic acid
Adrenic acid 22:4 (n−6) 7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid
Docosapentaenoic acid 22:5 (n−6) 4,7,10,13,16-docosapentaenoic acid
Calendic acid 18:3 (n−6) 8E,10E,12Z-octadecatrienoic acid

See also

References and sources

  1. ^ "Grass Fed Beef: Health Benefits." California State University, Chico College of Agriculture.
  2. ^ "Supplements: Omega-6 fatty acids." WholeHealthMD.

Additional sources

  • "The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids."
  • "Omega-6 fatty acids cause prostate tumor cell growth in culture."
  • "Omega-6 fatty acids linked to major depression."
 
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