Essential fatty acids (EFA)

Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 (linoleic acid) and n-3 (linolenic acid) series, which are essential dietary components because they cannot be synthesised in the (human) body. They are essential components of cell membranes; they are also precursors of prostaglandins, prostacyclins and related hormones and signalling molecules.


The group of polyunsaturated fatty acids of plants that are required in the human diet, because the human body cannot manufacture them, yet must have them for proper functioning.


Fatty adds that the body cannot produce. They must be obtained from food.


Good fats, including linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fats, which cannot be made in the body but must come from the diet.


An unsaturated fatty acid which is necessary for growth and health.


These are linoleic and linolenic acid both of which the body needs for proper functioning, and cannot synthesize.


Fats required by the body that cannot be manufactured by the body but must be consumed in the diet. There are two types of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6.


Long-chain (18 carbons) unsaturated fatty acids needed by the body but which the body cannot synthesize. These include linoleic and linolenic acids for most species. Members of the cat family cannot synthesize arachidonic acid and therefore require this fatty acid in their diets in addition to linoleic and linolenic acids. Corn oil is a rich source of linoleic acid. Canola oil is a good source of linolenic acid.


An essential fatty acid is required in the diet of humans because we lack the ability to produce them ourselves. Linoleate and alpha-linolenate are the only essential fatty acids for humans. They are essential because we lack the delta-12 and delta-15 desaturase enzymes that are required to insert the double bonds needed in the final steps of the synthesis of these fatty acids. Dietary deficiency produces dermatitis, decreased growth or weight loss, organ dysfunction, and abnormal reproductive status. Separate entries for the essential fatty acids are provided.


One of a group of unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for growth but cannot be synthesized by the body. The essential fatty acids are linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids; of these, only linoleic acid need be included in the diet as the other two can be synthesized from it in the body. Large amounts of linoleic acid occur in com oil and soya bean oil; smaller amounts in pork fat.


Three acids — arachidonic, linolenic and tinoleic — which are essential for life, but which the body cannot produce. They are found in natural vegetable and fish oils and their functions are varied. EFAs have a vital function in fat metabolism and transfer and they are also precursors of prostaglandins.


A fatty acid (alpha-linoleic and linoleic) that must be present in the diet because it cannot be synthesized in the body and is essential to maintaining health.


Organic acids, including linoleic and linolenic acids, required by the body for health.


Long-chain polyunsaturated fats the body requires from food because it cannot manufacture them.


Fatty acids that the human body cannot manufacture, such as linoleic and linolenic acids.


A variety of lipid that is vital for the proper functioning of both the brain and the body, and which the body lacks the ability to synthesize on its own. As a result, it becomes imperative to acquire them through dietary sources.


The body cannot produce these fatty acids, making them essential, and they must be obtained from the diet.


 


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