Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have two or more double bonds. They are highly fluid and biologically active but chemically reactive — every bis-allylic CH₂ between two double bonds is a hotspot for lipid peroxidation. The essential omega-3 and omega-6 families belong here.

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Structure

Multiple methylene-interrupted cis double bonds create a curved, loosely packed chain that stays liquid even when cold. The bis-allylic carbons are readily abstracted by radicals, driving both signalling (oxylipins) and rancidity.

Health & Impact

PUFAs supply the essential fatty acids (LA, ALA) and their long-chain derivatives (EPA, DHA, ARA), governing membrane fluidity, eicosanoid signalling, and inflammation balance. Oxidative fragility means they are easily damaged by heat, light, and storage.

Types & Sub-types

  • Omega-6 (n-6) — Linoleic acid and derivatives (GLA, DGLA, ARA).
  • Omega-3 (n-3) — ALA and the marine long-chain EPA & DHA.
  • Conjugated (CLA) — Conjugated linoleic acids from ruminant fat.

Common Food Sources

Historical Consumption (USA)

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Fatty Acids in this Category · 28 total

Hexadecatrienoic acid 16:3 Linoleic acid 18:2 (10E,12Z)-Octadecadienoic acid 18:2 Linoelaidic acid 18:2 Rumenic acid 18:2 α-Linolenic acid 18:3 Punicic acid 18:3 alpha-Eleostearic acid 18:3 Pinolenic acid 18:3 γ-Linolenic acid 18:3 Calendic acid 18:3 Stearidonic acid 18:4 Eicosadienoic acid 20:2 Eicosatrienoic acid 20:3 Sciadonic acid 20:3 Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid 20:3 Mead acid 20:3 Eicosatetraenoic acid 20:4 Arachidonic acid 20:4 Eicosapentaenoic acid 20:5 Heneicosapentaenoic acid 21:5 Docosadienoic acid 22:2 Adrenic acid 22:4 Docosapentaenoic acid 22:5 Osbond acid 22:5 Docosahexaenoic acid 22:6 Tetracosapentaenoic acid 24:5 Tetracosahexaenoic acid 24:6
Types SFA MUFA PUFA BCFA CFA FuFA
Omega ω-3 (n-3) ω-6 (n-6) ω-9 (n-9) ω-7 (n-7) ω-5 (n-5) ω-11 (n-11)
Other TFA