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.

Compare with:

• Omega-3 fatty acid

External links

• The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.