Linoleic acid is essential and supports membranes, skin barrier and signalling molecules.
Switzerland: linoleic acid about 4% of energy.
Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, tahini and foods made from them.
Rare; can cause dry scaly skin, hair loss, impaired wound healing and growth.
Omega-6 is not simply “inflammatory”. Adequate essential fats and the quality of the overall fat pattern matter.
Skin and hair signs occur only in marked deficiency and are nonspecific.
Fat-free artificial feeding, severe malabsorption or extreme restriction.
Usually assessed through diet and clinical context; routine testing is rarely needed.
No separate omega-6 supplement is needed when vegetable oils, nuts or seeds are consumed.
Energy-dense oils can contribute to excess energy at high intakes; this is not a specific omega-6 effect.