Omega-6s, also called omega-6 fatty acids, are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are essential nutrients for our body to function properly.
The main types of omega-6 are:
Our body cannot synthesise linoleic acids and we can only obtain it through diet. However, we can synthesise the other omega-6s using linoleic acids.
The conversion of omega-6s occurs competitively with omega-3s and necessitates that omega-6 and omega-3 be consumed in a balanced proportion.
Omaga-6s contributes to many bodily functions, including:
Omega-6s are an essential component of all cell membranes.
Omega-6s are used to form eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are signalling molecules with wide-ranging functions in the body’s cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, and endocrine systems (1).
Recommended Daily Allowance for a 44-year-old male moderately active, weighting 70 kg and 175 cm tall is 17 g (2).
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The FNB (Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine) did not establish an upper limit because adequate data from human or animal studies were lacking. This does not mean that there is no potential for adverse effects resulting from high intakes of omega-6s. Since data are limited, caution may be warranted.