Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are Linoleic acid, an omega-6 (n-6) fatty acid Linolenic acid, an omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid Other omega-6 acids (eg, arachidonic acid) and other omega-3 fatty acids (eg, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) are required by the body but can be synthesized from EFAs.