Linoleic acid is a very important fatty acid and essential for the body. Why is linoleic acid, whose name comes from Latin, so important for our body? What tasks does it perform in the organism?
What is linoleic acid?
Linoleic acid is a doubly unsaturated fatty acid. Unsaturated fatty acids are organic chemical compounds whose molecular structures have a double or a triple bond. Linoleic acid has a double bond and belongs to the group of omega fatty acids. In general, linoleic acid occurs in the liquid state and is very poorly soluble in water. Linoleic acid is mainly found in natural fatty oils. In addition to linoleic acid, there is conjugated linoleic acid, which belongs to the group of doubly unsaturated fatty acids of linoleic acid. This conjugated linoleic acid is a solid ingredient in dairy and meat products from ruminants.
Function, effects, and roles
Linoleic acid, which is essential for life, is one of the fatty acids with the greatest health significance. Linoleic acid should not be confused with gamma-linolenic acid, which affect the human body in a similar way, but whose effect differs in many small details. If the body is supplied with enough linoleic acid, it has many positive effects on the processes that regularly take place in the body. As the basis for the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is necessary for these processes to proceed without interruption. In addition, linoleic acid is responsible for stabilizing the structure of the skin and the structure of cell membranes. In a healthy skin, about 20 percent linoleic acid is found in the fatty acids that occur. The largest proportion of linoleic acid is a component of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the human skin. A functional water balance in the skin is one of the many important barrier functions of linoleic acid. But linoleic acid is not only essential for the skin. After intensive training sessions, the body’s muscles are under a lot of strain. Linoleic acid helps to shorten the recovery time. Linoleic acid also plays an important role in the metabolic process of oxygen. It makes it possible for electrical currents to be generated and for the heart to beat more regularly. Sufficient linoleic acid supports the body in the regulation of cholesterol and has a supporting effect in the task performed by our blood platelets. In order to eliminate fat-soluble toxins from our body, linoleic acid helps transport them to the skin, lungs, kidneys or intestines. There, these toxins can eventually be excreted.
Formation, occurrence, properties and optimal values
Linoleic acid cannot be formed in the body. Therefore, it is absorbed through the food we eat every day. Contained linoleic acid in animal and vegetable fats. The highest linoleic acid content of vegetable oils is in grape seed oil and safflower oil. Sunflower oil, pumpkin seed oil and olive oil, on the other hand, have a significantly lower linoleic acid content. Also very rich in linoleic acid are high-fat meat and sausage as well as margarine, almonds and nuts. Between five and seven grams should be absorbed into the body daily through food. With a balanced diet, the daily requirement can be met without any problems. If a person is exposed to major stress situations, or lives according to a certain diet plan, an increase in the daily requirement of linoleic acid may be necessary. Dietary supplements such as evening primrose oil, which contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can be taken if there is a deficiency. Especially during pregnancy, pregnant women should make sure to take enough linoleic acids to avoid a deficiency. The supplements can also be taken during pregnancy, as there are no known side effects.
Diseases and disorders
However, linoleic acid can also have a negative effect on the body. If an excessive amount of omega-6 fatty acids is ingested, the formation of eicosanoids (hormone-like substances that are involved in inflammatory processes in the body, among other things) can be promoted. These tissue hormones can cause a positive effect as well as a negative effect in our body. In case of too high deficiency of linoleic acid, the body is more susceptible to infections and diseases of the heart.Liver weakness and kidney weakness can also be the result of an undersupply of linoleic acid. However, such serious consequences are rare. In the case of a strong oversupply of linoleic acid, the risk of a stroke, among other things, can be increased. In some cases, too much linoleic acid in the body can also have a carcinogenic effect. However, linoleic acid not only fulfills many positive functions in our bodies. It is also a component of many cosmetic products used for external application. Linoleic acid has a positive effect on skin irritations, light damage or age spots that appear on the skin over time. In contrast, conjugated linoleic acid helps with weight loss. Not only does it have a positive effect on health by protecting against atherosclerosis and lowering cholesterol levels, but it also has a long-term positive effect on obese people. The increase of conjugated fatty acid built muscles and reduced body fat. It has been scientifically proven that taking conjugated linoleic acid for a long period of time does not cause any adverse health effects. Nevertheless, a balanced diet and information from a doctor should not be lacking. If you take supplements containing linoleic acid, medical advice is absolutely necessary. Be careful not to take such supplements in combination with medications, as an interaction may occur.
