: being or composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids in which the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurs between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and which are found especially in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, seeds, and grains compare omega-3
omega-6
noun
Examples of omega-6 in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Grapeseed oil balances things out with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, while meadowfoam seed oil helps lock everything in, leaving skin smoother, more supple, and radiant.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Talk to your healthcare provider about balancing your intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Also known as hemp hearts, hemp seeds have a high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which the National Institutes of Health has documented benefits for cardiovascular health.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
Formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus antioxidant-rich botanicals, this facial oil targets dryness and loss of elasticity for softer, more resilient skin.
—Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
Potentially regulating blood sugar, sesame oil has a functional blend of fatty acids — omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Better Weight Management Certain seed oils contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025
Also, a new study finds that higher blood markers of linoleic acid—the main omega-6 in seed oils—is tied to lower inflammation and other heart disease risk factors.
—Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
People with higher levels of dihomo-linoleate, an omega-6 fatty acid used to build hormones and regulate inflammation, felt less sleepy during the day.
—New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Talk to your healthcare provider about balancing your intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Also known as hemp hearts, hemp seeds have a high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which the National Institutes of Health has documented benefits for cardiovascular health.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
Formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus antioxidant-rich botanicals, this facial oil targets dryness and loss of elasticity for softer, more resilient skin.
—Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
Potentially regulating blood sugar, sesame oil has a functional blend of fatty acids — omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Better Weight Management Certain seed oils contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025
Also, a new study finds that higher blood markers of linoleic acid—the main omega-6 in seed oils—is tied to lower inflammation and other heart disease risk factors.
—Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
People with higher levels of dihomo-linoleate, an omega-6 fatty acid used to build hormones and regulate inflammation, felt less sleepy during the day.
—New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Omega-6.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omega-6. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
omega-6
adjective
ome·ga-6
-ˈsiks 
variants
also Omega-6
: being or composed of polyunsaturated fats that have the first double bond in the hydrocarbon chain occurring between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms from the end of the molecule most distant from the carboxylic acid group and that are found especially in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, seeds, and grains
Omega-6 fats, which we get mainly from vegetable oils, are also beneficial. They lower harmful LDL cholesterol and boost protective HDL.—Harvard Health Newsletter
compare omega-3
Harvard Health Newsletter
omega-6
noun
also Omega-6
Some experts, notably ones affiliated with the American Heart Association, credit our current intake of omega-6s with lowering the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Others, which include biochemists, say the relatively high intake of omega-6 is a reason for a slew of chronic illnesses …
—Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay, The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Today
Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay, The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Today
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