Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

4 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Also known as:  Omega-6 Fatty Acids;  Omega-6 Unsaturated Fatty Acids;  PUFAs

 

Description

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids are a group of Unsaturated Fatty Acids that contain more than one double-bond between carbon atoms in its chain - these double-bonds are no closer than six carbons from the methyl end of the PUFA molecule (hence their alternative name - Omega-6 Unsaturated Fatty Acids).

 

Note:  For the purposes of this program, the term “Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids” does NOT include Omega-3 Fatty Acids (which are correctly termed “Superunsaturated Fatty Acids”).  Many laypersons’ publications class Superunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-3) together with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6).

 

 View Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids' Metabolic Pathway

 

Health Benefits of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Generally)

The health benefits of PUFAs depend on each individual type of PUFA - see individual PUFAs for their health benefits.

 

Immune System

 PUFAs (specifically a combination of 224 mg of Linoleic Acid + 30 mg of Gamma-Linolenic Acid per day) may alleviate the Dry Eyes that occur in Sjogren Syndrome patients.  [1]

 

Musculoskeletal System

 Fibrocystic Breast Diseasemay occur as a result of PUFA deficiency. 

 

Sexual System

 Most PUFAs may alleviate Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). 

 

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Carotenoids

 Beta-Carotene may inhibit the oxidation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.  [2]

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