Page 251 - BIOCHEMISTRY II

Omega-6 Fatty Acids: (n-6)
-Polyunsaturated fatty acid that has its first double bond on
the
sixth carbon from the methyl end.

For example: Linolenic acid: found in corn oil,
contains 18 carbons with 2 double bonds,

-Mammals lack enzymes to insert this double bond at the n-6 or
n-3 positions and must eat linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

-Studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids offer
protection against cardiovascular disease-- inhibit platelet
function in thrombus ( blood clot) formation.