Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid found in nuts, seeds, and many vegetable oils (including EPO). There are unfortunately many factors which can interfere with this process, which include saturated fats; hydrogenated oils; blood-glucose problems; along with inadequate dietary intake of vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. On the other hand, gamma-linoleic acid does not require this conversion, which makes it a desirable source for prostaglandin production by the body.