Omega-6 Fatty Acid Analysis

The two main categories of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids. The difference between ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids lies in the position of the first double bond counting from the methyl end of the fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids (ω-6 fatty acids) have a carbon-carbon double bond at the n-6 position.

ω-6 fatty acids: Linoleic acid

There is desaturase enzyme competition between ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids. Fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) both preferentially act on α-linolenic acid (ALA) rather than linoleic acid (LA). However, high intake of linoleic acid LA (characteristic of Western diets) interferes with the desaturation and elongation of α-linolenic acid ALA. Similarly, trans fats interfere with the desaturation and elongation of LA and ALA.

Desaturation and elongation of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids

ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids cannot be converted into each other; they are metabolically and functionally different and often have significant, opposing physiological effects. Therefore, their balance in the diet is important. An increased ω-6/ω-3 ratio in terms of gene expression, prostaglandin and leukotriene metabolism, and interleukin-1 production is considered pro-inflammatory and can lead to atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. Furthermore, high ω-6 fatty acids can lead to insulin resistance, while ω-3 fatty acids can promote homeostasis and weight loss.

BiotechPack provides reliable, rapid, and cost-effective ω-6 fatty acid analysis services based on highly stable, reproducible, and sensitive systems for separation, characterization, identification, and quantification. Welcome to consult!

BiotechPack offers analysis of the following ω-6 fatty acids

1. Linoleic acid (LA) 18:2 (n-6)
2. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) 18:3 (n-6)
3. Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) 20:3 (n-6)
4. Arachidonic acid (AA, ARA) 20:4 (n-6)

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