Omega-6 fatty acid

There are two classes of essential fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3. The distinction between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is based on the location of the first double bond, counting from the methyl end of the fatty acid molecule.

Omega-6 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids characterized by the presence of at least two carbon-carbon double bonds. They have in common a final carbon-carbon double bond in the n-6 position.

Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid because humans cannot make it in their bodies and must obtain it in their diet.

In contrast to saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids lower both lower serum LDL-C and TG while increasing HDL-C thereby resulting in an overall beneficial reduction in the ratio of total to HDL-C.

Omega 6 fatty acids play a vital role in many physiological functions. They are particularly important for maintaining bone health, regulating metabolism, and in stimulating skin and hair growth. Omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in brain and heart function, and in normal growth and development.

Omega-6 fatty acids are represented by linoleic acid (LA; 18:2ω6). Plant tissues and plant oils are rich sources of LA. Omega 6 can be obtained from a variety of dietary sources, such as vegetable oil and nuts.

For example, safflower cooking oil contain with 12.7 grams of omega-6s per tablespoon. Vegetable oils like grapeseed, sunflower, and soybean contain more omega-6, canola oil is a more complete source of essential fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acid

Deficiency of essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids are as important to human health as oxygen and water. Research links a deficiency in essential fatty acids to most illnesses and diseases.

There are three important functions of essential fatty acids, the most important is as part of phospholipids in all cellular membranes.

Secondly, this type of fatty acids act as precursors of prostanoids which are only formed from essential fatty acids and the last functions is of course as energy source.

The clinical manifestations of essential fatty acids deficiency in human include dry, scaly skin, usually erythematous eruptions, diffuse hair loss, poor wound healing failure of growth and increase metabolic rate.

It is also associated with capillary fragility, abnormal liver and kidney function and neurologic damage. During pregnancy, the fetus relies on material circulation and transfer of these essential fatty cods across the placenta. In case the growing tissues requirements are not met, the fetus is at increase risk for essential fatty acid deficiency.

In essential fatty acids deficiency, oleic acid can be dehydrogenated to yield polyunsaturated fatty acids that are non essential and do not substitute for the essential fatty acids. The end products of non-essential fatty acids extension cannot however, function in cell membranes or in eicosanoid precursors.

Malnutrition is a common cause of essential fatty acid deficiency. American Heart Association and the FDA both recommended essential fatty acid supplements for cardiovascular benefits.

The National Institute on Aging proposes a correlation between Alzheimer’s diseases and a deficiency on essential fatty acids.

Deficiency of essential fatty acids in adults is rare, but has been seen in children fed virtually fat-free diets.

Deficiency of essential fatty acids