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Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Meaning

Omega-6 fatty acids are a class of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, meaning they cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet. Linoleic acid is the most common dietary omega-6, which serves as a precursor for other important lipids like arachidonic acid. While necessary for normal growth and function, a high dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production.