Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that is considered an essential fatty acid along with alpha-linoleic. It is a precursor for a hormone like substance prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances found in the body's cells. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid the body cannot produce itself so it must be included in the diet. Your body converts this into Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other compounds. Essential acids are those that your body needs to be healthy, but cannot make on its own. You must eat foods that have these acids in them, or use supplements as an alternative source. You can find a high concentration of LA in safflower oil, corn oil, sunflower oil and canola oil. Americans tend to eat plenty of omega-6 fatty acids, but not enough omega-3s. The average American consumes 14 to 25 times more omega-6s than omega-3s, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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Special Precautions of Linoleic Acid
- Not to be confused with linolenic acid or lipoic acid.
- Your body uses linoleic acid to produce a compound known as arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid gives rise to prostaglandins, which modulate pain and inflammation in your body. An excessive intake of linoleic acid can worsen pain syndromes and inflammatory conditions including arthritis, according to the textbook "Biochemistry." Also, the Institute of Medicine warns that increased intakes of linoleic acid are associated with the development of atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to heart disease. So, while it is important to meet the recommended intake, be careful not to overdo consumption.
- Your body requires omega-6 to produce arachidonic acid, a substance found in your cell membranes that is important for the inflammatory process. Your body must carefully regulate the inflammation process. That’s why omega-6 in high quantities can make some organs in your body more susceptible to toxins, allergens and and carcinogens. Additionally, you need to balance the omega-6s and omega-3s in your body to benefit from these oils.
- Linoleic acid is part of cell components, and is used to manufacture signaling molecules in the body. However, it now appears Western diets contain too much linoleic acid relative to linolenic acid. The March-April 2011 issue of "Nutricion Hospitalaria" reported that current diets have an omega-6:omega-3 ratio of about 20:1, while optimal ratios should probably be closer to 1.5:1. It is recommended that you focus more on increasing your omega-3 fat intake.
The benefits of Linoleic Acid are
- As a polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid is used in the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid and some prostaglandins. These substances help to facilitate inflammatory processes in your body. A lack of linoleic acid and other omega-6 fatty acids in your diet can cause dry hair, hair loss and poor wound healing. Linoleic acid is found in many food items besides peanuts, and it is nearly impossible to suffer from a linoleic acid deficiency when consuming a normal diet.
- Your body converts Linoleic Acid into Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other compounds. Known to increase the body's production of inflammatory chemicals. Since omega-6 fatty acids help maintain bone health, regulate metabolism and promote brain function, you shouldn't cut them out of your diet altogether. However, it's important to balance your intake of omega-6 fatty acids with your intake of omega-3 fatty acids in order to keep inflammation in check.
