Linoleic Acid

Figure 1. The chemical structure of Linoleic Acid.

Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic Acid is a colourless or white liquid that is virtually insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents. It typically occurs in nature as a triglyceride rather than as a free fatty acid. Linoleic Acid is one of two essential fatty acids for humans (the other being Alpha-Linolenic Acid, a polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acid).

Linoleic Acid is a precursor to arachidonic acid (AA) with elongation and saturation. AA is the precursor to some prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and thromboxane produced in the human body. Linoleic Acid is also used in the biosynthesis of cell membranes. As a dietary supplement, Linoleic Acid is mainly promoted for cardiovascular and heart health.

Food Sources

Vegetable oil is a good source of Linoleic Acid, including Evening Primrose Oil. Some food sources include:

• Salicornia oil
• Melon seed oil
• Poppyseed oil
• Grape seed oil
• Prickly Pear seed oil
• Artichoke oil
• Hemp oil
• Wheat germ oil
• Cottonseed oil
• Corn oil
• Walnut oil
• Soybean oil
• Sesame oil
• Rice bran oil
• Argan oil
• Pistachio oil
• Peach oil
• Almonds
• Canola oil
• Sunflower oil
• Chicken fat
• Peanut oil
• Egg yolk
• Linseed oil (or Flaxseed oil)
• Safflower oil
• Lard
• Palm oil
• Olive oil
• Durian
• Cocoa butter
• Macadamia oil
• Butter
• Coconut oil