About Omega 6: Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is the most prevalent polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid in the human diet. It is essential for human health as the body cannot synthesize it. Linoleic acid is involved in cellular signaling processes and is a precursor for bioactive lipid mediators known as eicosanoids, which play a role in inflammation and other cellular functions.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
40.0 - 60.0 mol/mol
Women's Optimal Range
40.0 - 60.0 mol/mol
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an increased risk for inflammation-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and may contribute to the development of chronic conditions.
Low
Low levels may be associated with impaired cell membrane function, skin issues, and potential deficiencies in essential fatty acids needed for normal body functions.
Symptoms
High
May include increased inflammation, joint pain, mood swings, or skin issues like rashes.
Low
Can include dry skin, hair loss, impaired wound healing, and potential mood changes.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Mousavi, S. M., Jalilpiran, Y., Karimi, E., Aune, D., & Larijani, B. (2020). Dietary Intake of Linoleic Acid, Its Concentrations, and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. *Diabetes Care*, 43(9), 2111–2120.
- Marklund, M., Wu, J. H. Y., Imamura, F., Del Gobbo, L. C., Fretts, A., de Goede, J., ... & Mozaffarian, D. (2019). Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: An Individual-Level Pooled Analysis of 30 Cohort Studies. *Circulation*, 139(21), 2422–2436.
- Johnson, G. H., & Fritsche, K. (2012). Effect of dietary linoleic acid on markers of inflammation in healthy persons: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. *Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics*, 112(7), 1029–1041.
- Petersen, K. S., Maki, K. C., Calder, P. C., Belury, M. A., Messina, M., Kirkpatrick, C. F., & Harris, W. S. (2021). Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat. *British Journal of Nutrition*, 125(6), 667–680.
- Sacks, F. M., Lichtenstein, A. H., Wu, J. H. Y., Appel, L. J., Creager, M. A., Kris-Etherton, P. M., ... & Van Horn, L. V. (2017). Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association. *Circulation*, 136(3), e1–e23.