Linoleic Acid

: A liquid unsaturated fatty acid C18H32O2 found especially in semidrying oils (as peanut oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals -- called also linolic acid

Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid and the major omega-3 fatty acid found in food. Essential fatty acids must be found in the diet, since it's not found in the human body. It is a key player in immunity, vision, cell membranes, and the production of hormone-like compounds.

Essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid, are extremely important for healing and maintaining good health. Compounds made from alpha-linolenic acid have been shown to decrease blood clotting and decrease inflammatory processes in the body. Study results from international clinical trials demonstrate that people who eat two servings of fish per week run a lower risk for heart attacks, compared with people who eat very little fish. The probable mechanism is reduced blood clotting because of fish oils, which results in a cardiovascular benefit. The other way to use fish oils as an everyday part of your diet is the pharmaceutical-grade vitamins that you may be prescribed. These are found to more effective since your doctor can tell you the exact amount of dosage you as an individual should be taking.

Also call CLA, linoleic acid is commonly found in North Americans and they generally consume plenty of Linoleic Acid in processed foods, margarine, and vegetable oils. It is also true that the body should convert some Linoleic Acid to GLA, which, in turn, is used to produce beneficial eicosanoids.

However, many people have difficulty using Linoleic Acid due to impairment in a critical enzyme known as Delta-6-Desaturase, or "D6D". Without this enzyme, the body cannot convert LA into GLA, halting the production of beneficial eicosanoids.

• Key to the Abbreviations: (eicosanoids are all derived from these)
• Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
• Arachidonic Acid (AA)
• Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA)
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid (EPA and DHA)

Nov. 6 2005. ___________________
text provided by megan