omega-6

adjective

ome·​ga-6
ō-ˈmā-gə-ˈsiks,
-ˈmē-,
-ˈme- How to pronounce omega-6 (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The scientists found a strong beneficial effect of omega-6 in younger participants, especially young women. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Bazley, one of the six sorghum varieties, was found to have the most beneficial profile in terms of healthy fats, with a high level of omega-3 and low omega-6. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 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

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of omega-6 was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near omega-6

Cite this Entry

“Omega-6.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omega-6. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

omega-6

adjective
ome·​ga-6 -ˈsiks How to pronounce omega-6 (audio)
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
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