NameNumber of carbon atomsType of fatty acidEssential fatty acidCommon sources
Palmitic acid16SaturatedNoPalm oil
Stearic acid18SaturatedNoAnimal fat
Oleic acid18MonounsaturatedNoOlive oil
Linoleic acid18PolyunsaturatedYesSafflower oil
Linolenic acid18PolyunsaturatedYesSoybean oil
Arachidonic acid20PolyunsaturatedYesMeat, dairy
Eicosapentaenoic acid20PolyunsaturatedYesFish oil
Docosahexaenoic acid22PolyunsaturatedYesFish oil