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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.<br>See also : *[[Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)]]* [[Omega-6 fatty acids]]