 |  | |
Linoleic
Acid Molecule | Arachidonic
Acid Molecule |
Omega-6 fatty acids are fatty acids where the term "omega-6" signifies that the first double bond in the carbon backbone of the fatty acid, counting from the end opposite the acid group, occurs in the sixth carbon-carbon bond.
Linoleic acid (18:2), the shortest chain omega-6 fatty acid, and arachidonic acid (20:4) are essential fatty acids.
Some medical research has suggested that excessive levels of omega-6 acids relative to omega-3 acids may increase the probability of a number of diseases.
| Common name | Lipid name | Chemical name |
|---|---|---|
| Linoleic acid | 18:2 (n-6) | 9,12-octadecadienoic acid |
| Gamma-linolenic acid | 18:3 (n-6) | 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid |
| Eicosadienoic acid | 20:2 (n-6) | 11,14-eicosadienoic acid |
| Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid | 20:3 (n-6) | 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid |
| Arachidonic acid | 20:4 (n-6) | 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid |
| Docosadienoic acid | 22:2 (n-6) | 13,16-docosadienoic acid |
| Adrenic acid | 22:4 (n-6) | 7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid |
| Docosapentaenoic acid | 22:5 (n-6) | 4,7,10,13,16-docosapentaenoic acid |
