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.
How does it affect cholesterol?
EFSA reports lower LDL cholesterol with increasing linoleic acid intake and fewer cardiovascular events when omega-6 polyunsaturated fats replace saturated fats. This concerns dietary replacement, not proof that adding a capsule to an unchanged diet prevents events. 1
Does it necessarily increase inflammation?
A review of 30 randomized trials with 1,377 adults found no overall increase in major blood inflammatory markers, including CRP, IL-6 and TNF. Exploratory analyses suggested that very large intake changes might increase CRP. The overall findings and that unresolved signal should both be kept in view. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Essential Health1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Organ Function1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.