Omega-6 fatty acids

Other Names: Acides Gras Essentiels N-6, Acides Gras Oméga-6, Acides Gras Omégas 6, Acides Gras Polyinsaturés, Acidos Grasos Omega 6, AGE, AGPI, Huiles d’Oméga 6, N-6, N-6 EFAs, N-6 Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 6, Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Omega 6 Oils, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, PUFAs.
See also :

• Essential Fatty Acids
• Linoleic Acid
• Gamma-linolenic acid
• Oil
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-7 fatty acids
• Omega-9 fatty acids

Special Precautions of Omega-6 fatty acids

• High triglycerides (a type of cholesterol): Omega-6 fatty acids can raise triglyceride levels. Don’t use omega-6 fatty acids if your triglycerides are too high.
• 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.

Benefits and uses of Omega-6 fatty acids are

• Parent Omega 6 is Linoleic Acid. Your body converts this 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.
• 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.

Food Sources of Omega-6 fatty acids

• meat
• dairy products (such as milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream)
• margarine
• vegetable oils (such as corn, wheat, safflower, soybean, peanut, grapeseed and cottonseed oil)
• Noodles
• Oats
• Rice bran