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What Foods Have Linoleic Acid?

Linoleic acid is a form of omega-6 fatty acid that is one of the two forms of essential fatty acids needed for a healthy body and mind; the other is omega-3. The most common form of linoleic acid is found in vegetable oils and the products manufactured from vegetable oils.

  1. Linoleic Acid

    • Linoleic acid is a form of polyunsaturated fat that is not produced naturally within the human body, but it is needed for the healthy functioning of the body. Linoleic acid can also be transformed within the body into gamma linolenic acid before it is transformed again to arachidonic acid. Eating essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid helps sustain skin, hair and bone growth, regulating both the metabolism and reproductive systems of the human body. Problems can be caused, however, by the consumption of large amounts of linoleic acid and its byproduct arachidonic acid, which have been linked to increases in inflammation within the body.

    Oils

    • The majority of linoleic acids are consumed within vegetable oil, which include black currant oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil and primrose oil. These oils are used in the manufacture of edible products such as margarine, shortening, salad oils and cooking oils. Non-edible products that are manufactured using omega-6 fatty acids include soaps and emulsifiers.

    Animal Products

    • Certain animal products contain a form of linoleic acid known as conjugated, which can be found in products such as beef and dairy products. Conjugated linoleic acid is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that is required by the human body. People who do not receive the required amount of omega-6 fatty acids in their diet can show visible signs of a deficiency. These symptoms include dry hair, hair loss and poor wound healing.

    Health

    • Linoleic acid and its associated byproducts are used to help treat certain health problems. Conjugated linoleic acid has been associated with the prevention of certain forms of cancer and in the reduction of high levels of cholesterol. The results of clinical tests reported by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center included an increase in weight loss in obese males, but no significant weight loss in non-obese females who increased their intake of conjugated linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is also associated with mental growth and development. Although linoleic acid and its byproduct, arachidonic acid, are associated with an increase in inflammation, the byproduct gamma linolenic acid is known to be a reducer of inflammation within the body.

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