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Linoleic
Acid Molecule |
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Arachidonic
Acid Molecule |
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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