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.
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Last updated: 08-30-2005 22:34:43
