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

Heavily Refined Seed Oils: Common in fried and packaged foods, often high in omega-6 fats, which may promote inflammation when overconsumed. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Research suggests that incorporating omega-6 linoleic acid into the diet may not increase inflammation.456 3. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025

Research shows that castor oil's omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids may penetrate the hair follicle (found in the scalp) and provide nutrients that protect the hair. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025

Recent research suggests that linoleic acid, a common source of omega-6, can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve cardiometabolic health.15 More studies are needed to understand the full health effects of omega-6s. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 May 2025

Even though omega-6 is needed in the diet, consuming too much may lead to chronic inflammation.1 Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 28 Apr. 2025

There were perturbations in levels of omega-6 fatty acid, homocysteine, total protein, bilirubin and a host of other things. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Two tablespoons of hemp seeds have just as much protein as two egg whites—along with all nine essential amino acids (a rarity), omega-3, and omega-6. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025

Here’s what studies show about more common dyes Various studies have linked diets too high in omega-6 with inflammation, which is associated with many chronic diseases including cancer, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and arthritis. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 25 Mar. 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