Docosadienoic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

There are three types of fat in our diet: saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.

Saturated and monounsaturated fats are called non-essential fats, as our bodies can make these.

Polyunsaturated fats are essential fats that we need to obtain from our diets – the two types are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Docosadienoic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid.

– Omega-3, omega-6 (and omega-9) fatty acids are all important dietary fats.

– Each one has a number of health benefits for your body.

It’s vital to get the right balance of omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids in your diet. An imbalance may contribute to a number of chronic diseases.

Pro-inflammatory omega-6’s are important chemicals in the immune system. However, when too many of them are produced, they can increase inflammation and inflammatory disease (L).

The Western diet contains far more omega-6 fats than necessary, and not enough omega-3 fats.

Omega-6 fats are found in large amounts in refined vegetable oils and foods cooked in vegetable oils.

Therefore, although omega-6 fats are essential in the right quantities, most people in the developed world should aim to reduce their omega-6 intake (L).

Docosadienoic acid is a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA). It is the elongation product of DGLA.

References:

– Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Effects, mechanisms and clinical relevance. [L]

– The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. [L]

– Omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio and subsequent mood disorders in young people with at-risk mental states: a 7-year longitudinal study [L]

– Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Friend or Foe? [L]

– Association of Specific Dietary Fats With Total and Cause-Specific Mortality. [L]