Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What is the difference between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
The structure: The difference is where the unsaturated chemical bond is in the "tail" of the fatty acid -- 3 positions away from the end (that's where OMEGA comes from -- last letter in the greek alphabet) or 6 positions away. The reason this matters is that biochemically, omega-3 fatty acids get turned into anti-inflammatory signaling compounds, while omega-6 fatty acids may get turned into proinflammatory ones
Answered 2/12/2015
3.2k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
What is the difference between linoeic acid and conjugated linoleic acid? Is one good and one bad? Are they both Omega 6?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Can any doc tell me what's the difference between omega 3 capsules and hydrochloric acid capsules?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Omega-3 fatty acids affect personality?
What is the definition or description of: omega-3 fatty acids?
Can you tell me what are omega-3 fatty acids and why are they important?
What's the difference between the omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seed oil and fish oil?
What's omega three fatty acids and it's capsule good for??
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
