What are omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids mainly include linoleic acid, gamma linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, di high gamma linolenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, etc. These fatty acids are essential nutrients for the human body, which need to be consumed through food and play an important role in cardiovascular health, inflammation regulation, and cellular function.

1. Linoleic acid:

Linoleic acid is a basic member of the omega-6 family, with the chemical name octadecadienoic acid. As an essential fatty acid, the human body cannot synthesize it on its own and needs to obtain it from vegetable oils. Corn oil, sunflower seed oil, and soybean oil are rich in content, and the recommended daily intake is 2% -3% of the total energy. Linoleic acid can be converted into other omega-6 fatty acids in the body, participating in cell membrane composition and prostaglandin synthesis, but excessive intake may promote inflammatory reactions.

2. Gamma linolenic acid:

Gamma linolenic acid belongs to octadecanoic acid and has a higher content in evening primrose oil and borage oil. Compared with linoleic acid, it has stronger biological activity and can directly participate in anti-inflammatory processes, improving skin barrier function and nerve conduction. Clinical studies have shown that it has a regulatory effect on premenstrual syndrome and atopic dermatitis, and the conversion efficiency is influenced by age, hormone levels, and dietary structure.

3. Arachidonic acid:

Arachidonic acid is an eicosatetraenoic acid that is present in animal liver, egg yolks, and other foods. As an important component of cell membrane phospholipids, it is not only a precursor of inflammatory mediators, but also involved in brain and nerve development. Infant formula milk powder often contains moderate amounts of arachidonic acid to promote cognitive development, but excessive amounts may induce excessive production of thromboxane, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Dihydroxy - γ - linolenic acid:

Dihydroxy - γ - linolenic acid belongs to eicosaenoic acid and is present in trace amounts in breast milk and certain seaweed. This fatty acid has unique anti proliferative properties, can regulate epidermal cell differentiation, and has potential improvement effects on skin diseases such as psoriasis. Its metabolites can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating special value in the management of autoimmune diseases.

5. Conjugated linoleic acid:

Conjugated linoleic acid is an isomer of linoleic acid, mainly derived from ruminant meat and dairy products. It has the characteristics of regulating body fat metabolism and enhancing insulin sensitivity, and the physiological effects of different isomers vary significantly. The trans-10 and cis-12 configurations have a significant effect on reducing fat, while the cis-9 and trans-11 configurations exhibit anticancer activity, but high-temperature processing can damage their active structures. Maintaining a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid intake between 4:1 and 2:1 is more beneficial for health. It is recommended to choose cold pressed vegetable oil instead of refined oil, and consume nuts and deep-sea fish in moderation. Avoid prolonged high temperature heating during cooking, and store in a dark and sealed environment. Special populations such as pregnant women and patients with metabolic syndrome should adjust their intake under the guidance of nutritionists, and regularly monitor their blood lipid levels to evaluate their fatty acid metabolism status.