Background:

Linoleic acid is a critical component of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Linoleic acid contains unsaturated double bonds that are highly vulnerable to free radical attack and oxidation. If ROS are produced in great quantities, the body can no longer efficiently remove them. In such instances, ROS may be released into the extracellular space, causing damage to surrounding cells and tissues. Linoleic acid is a decomposition product of a free fatty acid and has been linked to erythrocyte damage[1].

[1]. Yuan T, et al. Linoleic acid induces red blood cells and hemoglobin damage via oxidative mechanism. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015 May 1;8(5):5044-52.