Linoleic acid omega

With a deficiency in linolenic acid (18 3oo3) (but not in linoleic acid), there is a decline in DHA (22 6co3) in the retina and brain, as revealed in studies with rodents and monkeys. With deficiency in only linolenic acid (omega-3), there is also an increase in conversion of the available linoleic acid (omega-6) to produce elevated levels of 22-carbon omega-6 fatty acids (Craig-Schmidt et ah, 1996 Innis et al, 1994). Deficiency in only linolenic acid results in altered learning behaviors and a decreased visual sense. 

The major component of cranberry seed extracted via either pure CO2 or hexane was linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) as determined by total ion chromatogram and selected ion chromatogram with an internal standard. The broad intense linoleic acid chromatographic peak is believed to be a mixture of positional isomers of the CI8 2 fatty acid such as 9,12-octadienoic acid 8,11-octadienoic acid, 5,7-octadienoic acid, and 9,11-octadienoic acid. Two other Cl8 fatty acids were identified oleic acid and linolenic acid. The extracted ion of mass 297 0.5 seen at retention time 44.30 min corresponded to oleic acid (molecular weight = 296.5, match quality = 91%). The extracted ion of mass 293 +,0.5 seen at retention time 44.32 min corresponded to linolenic acid (molecular weight = 292.46, match quality = 99%). 

A USDA report indicates that between 1967 and 1988, butter consumption remained stable at 2 kg per capita, margarine dropped from 5.1 to 4.7 kg, and measured total fat intake per day dropped from 84.6 to 73.3 g (14). This study also projects that the reduced consumption of tropical oils is only temporary and will return to former use levels, possibly even higher. One reason for this projected rise in tropical oil consumption is the knowledge of the beneficial effects of medium-chain length acids high in lauric oils. There is a keen interest in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as linoleic acid, contained in fish oils. 

The omega (<0) numbering system is also used for unsaturated fatty acids. The co-family describes the position of the last double bond relative to the end of the chain. The omega designation identifies the major precursor fatty add, e.g., arachidonic add is formed from linoleic acid (co-6 family). Arachidonic acid is itself an important precursor for prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. 

Sources of prostaglandins are the fatty acids of omega-3 and omega-6 classes. Both of these fatty acid classes are compulsory components of cell membranes however, their metaholism and action are sufficiently different. Fatty acids such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are sources of prostacyclin as well as thromhoxane. The fatty acids of the omega-3 family with 20 carhon atoms or more displace the balance of prostacyclin... 

The legal and far less effective but safer way to increase PG s is from the increased intake of essential fatty acids (EFA s). Specifically, Linoleic Acid, which is an OMEGA-6 fatty acid, and Alfa Linolenic Acid which is an Omega-3 fatty acid. Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is another Omega-6 Fatty Acid essential for PGF-2 synthesizes. EFA S are not just health and performance related. These EFA s are so necessary that without them, your body would simply deteriorate away and you die. 

Goodridge, J., Ingalls, J., and Crow, G. 2001. Transfer of omega-3 linolenic acid and linoleic acid to milk fat from flaxseed or linola protected with formaldehyde. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 81, 525-532. Greenberg, S.M., Calbert, C.E., Savage, E.E., and Deuel, H.J., Jr. 1950. The effect of fat level of the diet on general nutrition. J. Nutr. 41, 473- 186. 

Emken, E.A. (1995) Influence of linoleic acid on conversion of linolenic acid to omega-3 fatty acids in humans, in Proceedings from the Scientific Conference on Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Nutrition, Vascular Biology, and Medicine. American Heart Association, Dallas, Texas, USA, pp. 9-18. 

Figure 12.16. Omega-3 fatty acids and their relevance to prostaglandin metabolism, a Omega-3 nnsatnrated fatty acids are derived from linoleic acid by a special desatnrase fonnd in plants bnt not in mammals. They are particnlarly common in cold-waterfish. b The different nnmbers and positions of donble bonds persist in the eicosanoids derived from different fatty acid precnrsors, giving rise to different homologons derivatives. This is shown here for prostaglandin E. c Biological activity of the eicosanoids derived from eicosapentanoic acid (EPA).

Table 4.2 lists some common examples of fatty acids, their sources, common names, and systematic names [1]. Many additional terms are used to distinguish unsaturated fatty acids by the location of the first double bond relative to the omega (co) or —CHg carbon. Thus oleic acid is both A and a C18 1 co-9 acid. Linoleic acid is a and C18 2 (0-6 acid. Linolenic acid is both and a C18 3 co-3 acid. 

In contrast to the shorter chain and more saturated fatty acids, the essential fatty acids (EFAs), linoleic acid (LA, an omega-6 fatty acid, 18 2n-6), and a-linolenic acid (LNA, an omega-3 fatty acid, 18 3n-3) serve as substrates for the production... 

Fatty acid composition of regular flax oil is different from other commercial oils because of the very high contribution of ALA, usually above 50% (Table 2). Because of the high content of this unique fatty acid, flaxseed and flax oil are often used as food supplements, where enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids is needed. This fatty acid is susceptible to oxidation it oxidizes 20 0 times faster than oleic acid and 2 times faster than linoleic acid (8). This property makes the oil a good material for paint and plastic production where fast oxidation is required. Flax oil contains low amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA) compared with low linolenic flax oil (Linola), soybean, and sunflower oils however, it is higher than canola oil (Table 2). Canola oil contains the lowest amount of SFA among all commercial oils. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The parent fatty acid of this group is alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that the body is unable to synthesize alpha-linolenic acid can be converted in the body to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In animals and man, these acids reduce the production of several compounds that are involved in inflammation and thrombosis, such as eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, prostacyclin, and leukotrienes) and cytokines (interleukin II-l) (1). The extent of the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to EPA and DHA is unclear. The conversion process appears to be inhibited by a high intake of linoleic acid, another essential fatty acid (2). In addition, alpha-linolenic acid is found in dark green vegetables and the oils of certain nuts and seeds, especially rape seeds and soya beans. 

Linoleic Acid and Other Omega-6 Fatty Acids... 

Linoleic acid and the family of fatty acids derived from it are called the omega-6 fatty acids (Figure 9.96). This is because the number of carbons from the methyl end to the first double bond is six. Linoleic acid is used to make arachidonic acid (20 4co6), a fatty acid essential for the synthesis of various hormones. These hormones are the prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. These three classes... 

---