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Fatty acids

Linoleic acid (18:2 n-6)

The most abundant omega-6 fat in the diet, from seed and vegetable oils, and the raw material for the rest of the omega-6 family.

Unit µmol/LTypical adult range 960–3800 µmol/L
What it is

The most abundant omega-6 fat in the diet, from seed and vegetable oils, and the raw material for the rest of the omega-6 family.

Why it matters

It is usually the largest single fatty acid on the panel, so it dominates the omega-6 total and the ratios built on it.

Reading the number

Intake is high enough in most diets that a genuinely low value is rare; the interesting question is normally how much of it has been converted onward. Absolute and percentage reporting differ.

What moves it
vegetable and seed oil intakeoverall fat intakegenetics of fat conversion
Read alongside
Arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6)Gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 n-6)Omega-6 totalEicosadienoic acid (20:2 n-6)
When to raise it

Worth reading as part of the omega-6 panel rather than on its own.

Tracking only, not a diagnosis. The range above is a typical adult reference range — the range printed by the lab that ran your test is the one that applies to you. Discuss anything that concerns you with your doctor.

Also known as

On a report in another language.

A lab report names this analyte in its own language. Vitals Vault recognises each of these and files them all under Linoleic acid (18:2 n-6).

Linoleico (C18:2 w6)Ácido LinoleicoLinolsäure

Track your linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) over time.

Linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) is one of 165 analytes Vitals Vault charts over time. Import a lab report in any language and this number lands on a timeline only you can read.

Continue with Google
Tracking only. This app is not medical advice. Always discuss results and future analysis with your doctor.

Catalog entry last updated 2026-08-28. Browse all 165 metrics.