Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are types of fats. Some types are found in vegetable oils, including corn, evening primrose seed, safflower, and soybean oils. Other types of omega-6 fatty acids are found in black currant seed, borage seed, and evening primrose oils.
Omega-6 fatty acids are used for many conditions, but so far, the best
information that science can provide is that putting arachidonic acid, a particular omega-6 fatty acid, doesn't improve infant development. Not enough research has been done on omega-6 fatty acids to judge whether or not they are effective for other uses.
Omega-6 fatty acids are used for reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering total cholesterol levels, lowering "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels, raising "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels, and reducing
cancer risk.
Most of the
information we have on omega-6 fatty acid supplements comes from studying specific omega-6 fatty acids or
plant oils containing omega-6 fatty acids. See the separate listing for evening primrose oil.
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