SCIENCE OF COOKING   
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OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS

 

   
 
Linoleic Acid Molecule
 
Arachidonic Acid Molecule

Omega-6 fatty acids are fatty acids where the term "omega-6" signifies that the first double bond in the carbon backbone of the fatty acid, counting from the end opposite the acid group, occurs in the sixth carbon-carbon bond.

Linoleic acid (18:2), the shortest chain omega-6 fatty acid, and arachidonic acid (20:4) are essential fatty acids.

Some medical research has suggested that excessive levels of omega-6 acids relative to omega-3 acids may increase the probability of a number of diseases.

 

Common nameLipid nameChemical name
Linoleic acid18:2 (n-6)9,12-octadecadienoic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid18:3 (n-6)6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid
Eicosadienoic acid20:2 (n-6)11,14-eicosadienoic acid
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid20:3 (n-6)8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid
Arachidonic acid20:4 (n-6)5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid
Docosadienoic acid22:2 (n-6)13,16-docosadienoic acid
Adrenic acid22:4 (n-6)7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid
Docosapentaenoic acid22:5 (n-6)4,7,10,13,16-docosapentaenoic acid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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