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

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

Many studies find benefits of omega-6 and polyunsaturated fats, according to Mozaffarian. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025

The Effects of Omega-6 Fatty Acids Another claim that seed oil critics bring up relates to its omega-6 fatty acid content. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025

This one uses retinyl linoleate, a gentler form of retinol that works more gradually and is made up of retinol and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. —Siena Gagliano, Allure, 18 Mar. 2025

In general, humans consume more omega-6 fats compared to omega-3 fats. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025

However, the absolute omega-6 level and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in different seed oils vary tremendously. —Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025

Although seed oils are often criticized online, the omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils can help improve cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when it’s used in place of animal fats. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 17 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