Octadecadienoic acid/Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid (LA) is an unsaturated Ω-6 fatty acid. It is a colorless liquid. Chemically, linoleic acid is a carboxylic acid with an 18-carbon chain and two cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the sixth carbon from the Ω end.

The word linoleic comes from the Greek word linon (flax). Oleic means of, relating to, or derived from oil or of or relating to oleic acid since removing the Ω-6 double bond produces oleic acid.

Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. It is found in the lipids of cell membranes. It is abundant in many vegetable oils, especially safflower and sunflower oils.

To be fully utilised by the body, LA must be converted into Gamma-Linolenic Acid.

Linoleic acid is a member of the group of essential fatty acids called Ω-6 fatty acids, so called because they are an essential dietary requirement for all mammals. The other group of essential fatty acids is the Ω-3 fatty acids, for example Alpha-Linolenic Acid. Ω-6 deficiency symptoms include dry hair, hair loss, and poor wound healing.

It is easy to meet the daily requirement for these fatty acids (even for people consuming low fat diets) and most people get plenty of Ω-6 fatty acids in their diet by consuming approximately a tablespoon of polyunsaturated plant oils per day.

Linoleic acid is used in making soaps, emulsifiers, and quick-drying oils. Reduction of linoleic acid yields linoleyl alcohol. Linoleic acid has become increasingly popular in the beauty products industry because of its beneficial properties on the skin. Research points to linoleic acid's affective properties when applied topically on the skin, ie. anti-inflammatory, acne reduction, moisture retention properties. Noni seed oil is abundant in linoleic acid, and a number of beauty products contain noni seed oil.

Oils and foods that contain linoleic acid include safflower oil, poppy seed oil, walnut oil, grass fed cow milk, olive oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, lard, coconut oil, egg yolks, spirulina, peanut oil, okra, rice bran oil, wheat germ oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, pistachio oil, sesame oil.