An essential fatty acid is which of the following?

• A. Arachidonic acid
• B. Linoleic Acid
• C. Oleic Acid
• D. Two of the above

Answer: (B)

Essential fatty acids are the fats the body cannot make in sufficient amounts and must obtain from the diet. Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid; the body cannot synthesize enough of it on its own, so it must come from what we eat.

Arachidonic acid, while important, can be produced from linoleic acid in the body, so it is not considered essential for healthy adults. Oleic acid is a common monounsaturated fat that the body can synthesize, so it’s not essential either.

Because only linoleic acid among the options must be supplied by the diet, it is the essential fatty acid here.