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Fatty acid

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. The body cannot make it, and it comes mainly from vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

Essential HealthHair & SkinCardiovascularLongevityOrgan Function

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Essential HealthModerateBNo linked study
Skin textureHair & SkinSmallBNo linked study
Cholesterol balanceCardiovascularSmallBNo linked study
Oxidative stressLongevitySmallCNo linked study
InflammationSmallCNo linked study
Liver healthOrgan FunctionSmallCNo linked study
All 7 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

Is linoleic acid the same as an omega-3?

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid; alpha-linolenic acid is an essential omega-3. The body can convert linoleic acid to arachidonic acid. These related names do not describe interchangeable nutrients. 1

Why people take it

Essential Health23.5%
Cardiovascular17.7%
Immune Support17.2%
Cognition11%
Hair & Skin6.7%
Women's Hormones5.9%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is all omega-6 inflammatory?

The randomized-trial review found no overall increase in the major inflammatory markers assessed when linoleic acid intake rose. 2

Is there an ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio?

EFSA did not set a target ratio because evidence was insufficient independently of absolute intakes. 3

Does every sunflower oil supply the same amount?

No. High-oleic varieties contain substantially less linoleic acid. 4

Sources