Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid
Lexicon

Linoleic acid

The most important omega-6 fatty acid , essential, but often in excess in the modern diet.

Definition

An essential omega-6 acid

Linoleic acid is a doubly unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid the body needs but cannot make itself. It is plentiful in sunflower, safflower and corn oil.

Because many cheap oils are very rich in it, linoleic acid is often over-represented in the modern diet.

In brief

  • Type: essential omega-6 fatty acid.
  • Found in: sunflower, safflower, corn oil.
  • Balance: what matters is the ratio to omega-3, not the single amount.

Related terms: Omega fatty acids.

Source

Related

Why the omega ratio counts , in the magazine.

Omega-3 to omega-6