The chemical structure of linoleic acid, a common n−6 fatty acid found in many vegetable oils.

Omega-6 fatty acids are common fats that most people consume regularly. These include fatty acids like linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid. Such acids are called omega-6 because of chemical composition, which includes a carbon double bond six carbons distance from the omega or last carbon in a chain. The name indicates where the double bonds occur in the chain of fatty acids.

How is it Made?
Linoleic acid is converted to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the body. It is then further broken down to arachidonic acid (AA).

Where is it Found?
Dietary sources of n−6 fatty acids include poultry, eggs, avocado, nuts, cereals, whole-grain, breads, most vegetable oils, evening primrose oil, borage oil, blackcurrant seed oil, flax/linseed oil, rapeseed or canola oil, hemp oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower seed oil, corn oil, safflower oil, pumpkin seeds, acai berry, cashews etc.

Benefits / Uses
Diabetic neuropathy
Some studies show that taking gamma linolenic acid (GLA) for 6 months or more may reduce symptoms of nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy. People who have good blood sugar control may find GLA more effective than those with poor blood sugar control.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Studies are mixed as to whether evening primrose oil helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some preliminary evidence suggests evening primrose oil may reduce pain, swelling, and morning stiffness; but other studies have found no effect. When using GLA for symptoms of arthritis, it may take 1 - 3 months for benefits to appear. It is unlikely that evening primrose oil would help stop progression of the disease, so joint damage would still occur.

Allergies
There is some evidence that people who are allergy prone can benefit from an increased intake of essential fatty acids. Several home remedies use omega 6 for this purpose.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Clinical studies suggest that children with ADHD have lower levels of EFAs, both omega-6s and omega-3s. EFAs are important to normal brain and behavioral function. Some studies seem to indicate that taking fish oil (containing omega-3 fatty acids) may help reduce ADHD symptoms, though the studies have not been well designed. Studies that used evening primrose oil have found it was no better than placebo at reducing symptoms.

Breast cancer
One study found that women with breast cancer who took GLA had a better response to tamoxifen (a drug used to treat estrogen-sensitive breast cancer) than those who took only tamoxifen.

Eczema
Evidence is mixed as to whether evening primrose oil can help reduce symptoms of eczema. Some early studies found benefit, but they were not well designed. Later studies that examined people who took evening primrose oil for 16 to 24 weeks found no improvement in symptoms. If you want to try evening primrose oil, talk to your health care provider about whether it is safe for you to try.

High blood pressure (Hypertension)
There is some preliminary evidence that GLA may help reduce high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil. In one study, men with borderline high blood pressure who took 6g of blackcurrant oil had a reduction in diastolic blood pressure compared to those who took placebo.

Another study examined people with intermittent claudication, pain in the legs while walking that is caused by blockages in the blood vessels. Those who took GLA combined with EPA had a reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to those who took placebo.
More research is needed to see whether GLA is truly effective for hypertension.

Menopausal symptoms
Evening primrose oil has gained popularity as a way to treat hot flashes associated with menopause, but so far studies have not shown that it works. If you want to try evening primrose oil for hot flashes and night sweats, ask your health care provider whether it is safe and right for you.

Mastalgia
Some evidence suggests that evening primrose oil may reduce breast pain and tenderness in people with cyclic mastalgia. It may also help reduce symptoms to a lesser extent in people with non-cyclic mastalgia. However, it does not seem to be effective for severe breast pain.

Multiple Sclerosis
Evening primrose oil has been suggested as an additional treatment (in addition to standard therapy) for multiple sclerosis (MS) although there is no scientific evidence that it works. MS patients who want to add evening primrose oil to their treatment regimens should talk with a health care provider.

Osteoporosis
Omega 6 is an important part of what helps maintain strong and healthy bones in your body. When your body is omega 6 deficient, it can result in bone loss and a health condition known as osteoporosis. Additionally, bones need calcium to be strong and maintain their density. Omega 6 facilitates bone growth and strength by enhancing their ability to absorb calcium.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Some women use evening primrose oil, an omega 6 supplement, to relieve the pain of breast tenderness before their period. This supplement has also been used to treat other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including irritability and bloating caused by fluid retention. Clinical studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of omega 6 to relieve PMS and have shown varying results.

Dosage
For general health, there should be a balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The ratio should be in the range of 2:1 - 4:1, omega-6 to omega-3. The average diet provides plenty of omega-6 fatty acids, so supplements are usually not necessary.
People with specific conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, arthritis, diabetes, or breast tenderness (mastalgia) may want to ask their health care providers about taking omega-6 supplements.

For general health, there should be a balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The ratio should be in the range of 2:1 - 4:1, omega-6 to omega-3. The average diet provides sufficient omega-6 fatty acids, so supplementation is usually not necessary unless treating for a specific condition such as eczema or psoriasis, arthritis, diabetes, or breast tenderness (mastalgia).

Pediatric
For nursing infants: There are enough essential fatty acids in breast milk if the mother is eating a healthy diet.
For eczema in children 2 - 18 years of age: Evening primrose oil, 3 grams daily, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. It is reported that the maximum dose should not be greater than 0.5 gram per kilogram of body weight daily. Do not give supplements to a child without first talking to your doctor.

Adult