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

Made from a combination of almond and camelina oils (both rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, two hard-working moisturizers that support the skin barrier), this lightweight oil seeps into skin instantly to leave it feeling rose petal-smooth without a greasy residue left behind. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 Feb. 2025

This is likely due to their high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. —Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025

Healthy fats in eggs – such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – benefit brain, nervous and heart health, Purina reports. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025

High in Omega-6 Fats Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fats necessary for brain function, growth, and development. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Jan. 2025

Talk to your healthcare provider about balancing your intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. 7. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 Jan. 2025

At the heart of the case against seed oils are concerns about the omega-6 fatty acids that are abundant in them. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Jan. 2025

Likewise, an omega-6 fatty acid known as arachidonic acid and vitamin E may help promote hair growth.5 7. —Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025

The treatment is infused with argan oil, which has omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that support the skin barrier. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 1 Jan. 2025

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