Linoleic acid (LA) is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. linoleic acid is a carboxylic acid with an 18-carbon chain and two cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the sixth carbon from the methyl end. Linoleic acid belongs to one of the two families of essential fatty acids. The body cannot synthesize linoleic acid from other food components. LA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid used in the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid (AA) and thus some prostaglandins. It is found in the lipids of cell membranes. It is abundant in many vegetable oils, comprising over half (by weight) of poppy seed, safflower, sunflower, and corn oils. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that must be consumed for proper health. A diet only deficient in linoleate causes mild skin scaling, hair loss, and poor wound healing in rats.
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