Linolenic acid. Computer model of a molecule of linolenic acid,one of the essential fatty acids. The colours represent the constituent atoms: purple (carbon),pink (hydrogen) and yellow (oxygen). Linolenic acid is also known as cis,cis,cis -9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid,and has a straight chain structure of 18 carbon atoms with three double bonds. Linolenic acid is found in linseed oil,and is used in a variety of food products including margerine,where it is one of the unsaturated fats. Deficiency of essential fatty acids can cause skin problems,weight loss and irregular oestrus |