Because they are unable to be synthesis by the body. The body contain the enzyme 4,5,6,9 desaturase meaning they are unable to form double bonds any other place other than carbon 4,5,6 and 9. In linoleic there is a carbon carbon double bond at carbon 12 which the enzyme is unable to form a double bond there. In linolenic acid there is a carbon carbon double bond at carbon 12 and carbon 15; where the enzyme is unable to form a bond there.