Rutgers Nutrition And Health Exam 2 Practice Test

Which fatty acid is the primary omega-6 fatty acid?

Linoleic acid Linolenic acid Arachidonic acid Palmitic acid

Correct Answer:

Linoleic acid

Explanation:

Linoleic acid is the primary omega-6 fatty acid. It is an essential fatty acid in the omega-6 family, meaning the body cannot make it and it must be obtained from the diet. Its structure is 18 carbons with two double bonds (18:2, n-6), and it serves as the main dietary source of omega-6 fats and a precursor to other omega-6 compounds. Linolenic acid, in contrast, is an omega-3 fatty acid (18:3, n-3). Arachidonic acid is a longer omega-6 fatty acid derived from linoleic acid, not the primary dietary omega-6. Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid (16:0) and is not an omega-6.

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