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

The highest-quality evidence available offers some support for swallowing ingredients such as zinc, pumpkin-seed oil, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, Elizabeth Houshmand, a fellow with the American Academy of Dermatology, told me. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2025

The University of California, Riverside study, published in the in October, investigated how mice metabolized linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid widely present in soybean oil, by feeding them a high-fat diet based on the common cooking oil. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025

The formula combines argan oil, rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, with functional silicones that form a smoothing film to cushion the cuticle and minimize mechanical wear from brushing, pillow friction, and heat styling. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 25 Nov. 2025

These include omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. —Joy Emeh, Health, 5 Oct. 2025

Potentially regulating blood sugar, sesame oil has a functional blend of fatty acids — omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025

Better Weight Management Certain seed oils contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025

Also, a new study finds that higher blood markers of linoleic acid—the main omega-6 in seed oils—is tied to lower inflammation and other heart disease risk factors. —Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025

People with higher levels of dihomo-linoleate, an omega-6 fatty acid used to build hormones and regulate inflammation, felt less sleepy during the day. —New Atlas, 24 Aug. 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