Linoleic acid

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA

LAnumbering.png

Polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid

Linoleic acid
Linoleic-acid-skeletal.svg
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID 5280450
ChemSpider ID
UNII 9U1VM840SP
ChEBI 17351
ChEMBL 266968
Properties
Chemical Formula
Molar Mass
Appearance Colorless liquid
Density 0.90 g/cm³
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Hazards
GHS Pictograms [[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704 [[File:|50px]]
References

Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. Linoleic acid is one of the most common fatty acids found in vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, safflower oil, and corn oil.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Linoleic acid is classified as an omega-6 fatty acid due to the position of the first double bond, which is six carbons away from the methyl end of the fatty acid molecule. Its IUPAC name is (9Z,12Z)-Octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid, indicating the presence of two cis double bonds at the 9th and 12th carbon atoms.

Biological Role[edit]

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning that it cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including:

Dietary Sources[edit]

Linoleic acid is abundant in many plant oils. Some of the richest sources include:

Health Implications[edit]

Adequate intake of linoleic acid is essential for maintaining overall health. Deficiency in linoleic acid can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Hair loss
  • Poor wound healing
  • Increased susceptibility to infections

However, excessive intake of linoleic acid, particularly in the form of processed vegetable oils, has been linked to an increased risk of inflammation and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Industrial Uses[edit]

Linoleic acid is also used in various industrial applications, including:

See Also[edit]

References[edit]


Stub icon

This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding the page.


Sponsored Health Resource

W8MD weight loss success

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

Looking for physician-supervised weight loss, semaglutide, tirzepatide, or GLP-1 receptor agonist options? W8MD helps eligible patients in New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and greater Philadelphia with medical weight loss, sleep medicine, and long-term maintenance support.

GLP-1 specials: Affordable GLP-1 injections NYC and Philadelphia starting from $29.99/week and up for semaglutide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits, and $45/week and up for tirzepatide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits. Self-pay options start from $59.99/week and up for semaglutide and $69.99/week and up for tirzepatide.

Book a W8MD appointment · View GLP-1 specials

Paid promotional message. Eligibility, pricing, insurance coverage, medication availability, and results vary. Medical evaluation required.

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Linoleic_acid&oldid=5808140"