‘Vitamin F’: The Essential Fats Behind a Misleading Name

The term “vitamin F” may appear in a health article or on a skincare product, suggesting another vitamin the body needs. But the label is misleading: it refers to essential fatty acids, not a vitamin.

The name is commonly used for two fats: alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. The body cannot make these in sufficient amounts, so they must come from food.

These fats help maintain cell structures and support normal body functions. They also contribute to skin health, which explains why “vitamin F” appears in the language of skincare.

Food sources include plant oils, nuts and seeds. Flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts provide alpha-linolenic acid, while sunflower oil, soybean oil and many nuts and seeds supply linoleic acid.

The key distinction is between the label and the nutrients behind it. “Vitamin F” is not a separate vitamin to add to a checklist, but a name for important dietary fats that can be obtained through a varied diet.