Arachidonic acid. Molecular model of arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid,C20. H32. O2),a fatty acid essential for health. Atoms are shown as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (yellow),oxygen (red) and hydrogen (blue). This is an omega 6 acid,a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). These are healthier than saturated fats,which can cause heart disease. PUFAs are found mainly in fish and vegetable oils. Arachidonic acid is also a precursor of prostaglandins and leukotrienes,chemicals which lower blood pressure,protect the stomach lining from ulcers,cause inflammation and aid blood clotting |