Linoleic Fatty Acid (Omega 6)

Description

Omega 6 is the common name linoleic fatty acids, whose scientific name is: 18:2 9c, 12c (n-6). It is termed essential fatty acid because the body can not synthesize by itself (unlike other fatty acids of the n-6).

Omega 6 play an important role in the proper functioning of the immune nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as in allergic and inflammatory reactions and wound healing.

Omega 6 sources

See the list of foods that provide the most Omega 6

Needs

Synthesis of the scientific literature, it appears that an intake of linoleic acid from 3 to 4% of the energy content of the diet is necessary to prevent any manifestation of deficiency.

The value of 4% (which corresponds to the 100% value in the ANC Nutrimeter ®) corrrespond for adults with a need to 10g per day of linoleic acid.

The Omega 6 / Omega 3 ratio should strive to 5 because of the desirable limit of linoleic acid and the interest of an adequate intake of α-linolenic acid.

(Source: "Recommended dietary allowances for the French population," the CNERNA-CNRS. Edition coordinated by Ambroise Martin.)