Certain types of fatty acids are essential for the body, and it is important they are supplied and present in the body at the required quantities. Fatty acids have a different molecular configuration of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Omegas are also a type of fatty acids that are important for the body. They are also known as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. There are three main types of omega fatty acids, and they are 3, 6, and 9. One can also take Omega 3 6 9 capsules to supplement them to the body.

What Are The Types Of Omega Fatty Acids?

Types of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3’s are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They have their first double bond situated at the third carbon from the omega end. They are considered an essential fatty acid as the body cannot produce them on its own.

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), is an 18-carbon chain with three cis double bonds. It is found in some vegetable oils, leafy vegetables, nuts (walnuts), and grass-fed animal fat.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a 22-carbon chain with six cis double bonds. These acids come mainly from fish oils.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic) acid is a 20-carbon chain with five cis double bonds and comes mainly from fish oils.

Types of Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Omega 6′ are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They have their first double bond located at the sixth carbon from the omega end. A body cannot produce these fatty acids on their own; hence they are essential and can be found in meat, poultry and eggs, nuts, and plant-based oils.

LA (linoleic acid) is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. It is an 18-carbon chain with the first double bond located at the sixth carbon from the omega end of the fatty acid.
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is also an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid with an 18-carbon chain. However, it slightly differs from LA and is found in various food sources.
AA or arachidonic acid is a 20-carbon chain.

Types of Omega 9 Fatty Acids

Omega 9’s are monounsaturated fatty acids. They have their first double bond located at the ninth carbon from the omega end. These fatty acids can be produced by the body, but are beneficial when obtained in food and are found in vegetables, nut and seed oils.

Oleic acid is the primary omega 9 fatty acid.

What Are The Benefits Of Omega Fatty acids?

Omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids play a crucial role in normal skin function and appearance.
Metabolism of linoleic acid and a-linolenic acid is limited in the skin, hence are considered essential nutrients for the skin.
Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids play a key role in the structural integrity and barrier function of the skin. These acids are also used in the making of breast enlargement creams.
Omega 6 and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids affect the inflammatory response of the skin.
Both topical and oral supplementation are beneficial ways to supply essential fatty acids to the skin.
Topical application of certain omega 3’s reduces UV-induced photodamage, signs of skin aging, and inflammatory skin responses.
The liver may oxidize a large or considerable portion of ingested essential fatty acids before reaching peripheral tissues. As a result, topical application may be a more efficient route of delivery for skin effects.
Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids are two of the most important topical applications for the skin.