omega-6

adjective

ome·​ga-6

ō-ˈmā-gə-ˈsiks,

-ˈmē-,

-ˈme- 

: being or composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids in which the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurs between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and which are found especially in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, seeds, and grains compare omega-3

omega-6 noun

Examples of omega-6 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the past, humans consumed about a 1:1 ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3s. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2024

Fears about these oils are fueled by another PUFA: omega-6, which has a complex link to inflammation. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 21 June 2024

One distinction is that wild salmon is higher in omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation, while farmed salmon is higher in omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 13 June 2024

This skin supplement for dogs is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2023

This imbalance of too many omega-6 fatty acids and too few omega-3 fatty acids is the bigger problem at play here. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024

Omega Fatty Acids: Nourishing the Brain One notable feature of hemp seed oil is its rich content of omega fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023

Healthy fats in eggs – such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – benefit brain, nervous and heart health, according to Purina. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023

Enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this oil also supports your pet's healthy skin and coat, providing a comprehensive solution for their overall well-being. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

omega-6

adjective

ome·​ga-6 -ˈsiks 

variants also Omega-6

: being or composed of polyunsaturated fats that have the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurring between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and that are found especially in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, seeds, and grains

Omega-6 fats, which we get mainly from vegetable oils, are also beneficial. They lower harmful LDL cholesterol and boost protective HDL.

—Harvard Health Newsletter

compare omega-3

omega-6 noun

also Omega-6

Some experts, notably ones affiliated with the American Heart Association, credit our current intake of omega-6s with lowering the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Others, which include biochemists, say the relatively high intake of omega-6 is a reason for a slew of chronic illnesses …

—Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay, The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Today