Omega-6 fatty acid
Omega-6 fatty acid
Omega-6 fatty acids (pronunciation: /oʊˈmeɪɡə sɪks ˈfæti ˈæsɪd/) are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have in common a final carbon-carbon double bond in the n-6 position, that is, the sixth bond, counting from the methyl end.
Etymology
The term "Omega-6" is derived from the position of the first double bond in the fatty acid molecule. "Omega" is the last letter in the Greek alphabet, and the number 6 refers to the sixth carbon atom from the end of the fatty acid molecule.
Types of Omega-6 fatty acids
Some of the types of Omega-6 fatty acids include:
- Linoleic acid (LA)
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
- Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
- Arachidonic acid (AA)
Health implications
Omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, and normal growth and development. They help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system.
However, a high ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet shifts the physiological state in the tissues toward the pathogenesis of many diseases: prothrombotic, proinflammatory and proconstrictive.
Dietary sources
Omega-6 fatty acids are found in leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains, and vegetable oils (such as corn, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, sesame, and sunflower).
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Omega-6 fatty acid
- Wikipedia's article - Omega-6 fatty acid
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