Omega-6 fatty acid
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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, occurs in the omega minus 6 position; that is, the sixth carbon from the end of the fatty acid. See essential fatty acids for more detail on the naming system.
The biological effects of the ω-6 fatty acids are largely mediated by their interactions with the ω-3 fatty acids, see Essential fatty acid interactions for detail.
Linoleic acid (18:2), the shortest chain omega-6 fatty acid is an essential fatty acid. Arachidonic acid (20:4) is a physiologically significant n-6 fatty acid and is the precursor for prostaglandins and other physiologically active molecules.
Some medical research has suggested that excessive levels of omega-6 acids, relative to Omega-3 fatty acids, may increase the probability of a number of diseases and depression. Modern Western diets typically have ratios of omega-6 to omega-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 of omega-6 fatty acids include:
- nuts
- cereals
- whole-grain breads
- most vegetable oils
- eggs and poultry
- baked goods.[2]
[edit] List of omega-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 |
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.
- [3] Omega-6 fatty acids cause prostate tumor cell growth in culture
- [4] Omega-6 fatty acids linked to major depression
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