From the Guidelines
Fatty acids play a crucial role in the body, serving as the building blocks of fats and oils, and are essential for maintaining cellular integrity and function, regulating inflammation, and providing energy. They are found in esterified form, typically linked to glycerol, to form triglycerides and phospholipids, or with cholesterol, to form cholesteryl esters, and circulate in the bloodstream as components of lipoproteins 1. Some key functions of fatty acids include:
- Maintaining cellular integrity and function
- Regulating inflammation
- Providing energy
- Contributing to hormone production
- Aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) The balance of different fatty acid types in the diet is important, as excessive consumption of certain fatty acids (particularly trans fats and some saturated fats) has been associated with increased health risks, while omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as fish, have been shown to have cardioprotective effects and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease 1. Overall, fatty acids are essential molecules that play a vital role in maintaining various bodily functions, and a balanced diet that includes a variety of fatty acid types is crucial for optimal health. In terms of specific functions, fatty acids can influence inflammatory and immune processes through effects on cell membrane structure and function, modification of inflammatory mediator profile, and alterations in gene expression 1. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to act in a less inflammatory and possibly anti-inflammatory manner, and can counter the actions of omega-6 fatty acids, which may promote inflammatory processes 1. It is also important to note that the nature and quantity of lipid supplied to critically ill patients may have an important role in determining clinical outcome 1. In conclusion, fatty acids are essential molecules that play a crucial role in maintaining various bodily functions, and a balanced diet that includes a variety of fatty acid types is crucial for optimal health, with omega-3 fatty acids having particularly beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and inflammation regulation.
From the Research
Fatty Acid Functions
- Fatty acids are a principle energy substrate and structural components of cell membranes (phospholipids) and second messengers 2
- They are ligands of nuclear receptors affecting gene expression 2
- Fatty acids are involved in multiple pathways and play a major role in health, including:
- Energy production
- Cell membrane structure
- Signaling pathways
- Gene expression
Types of Fatty Acids and Their Effects
- Saturated fatty acids have been related to adverse health effects, whereas unsaturated fatty acids, especially monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated, are thought to be protective 3
- Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health 4, 5
- Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, may also have beneficial effects on human health, including lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and improved muscle and cognitive performance 5
Biological Activities of Fatty Acids
- Fatty acids have biological activities that act to influence cell and tissue metabolism, function, and responsiveness to hormonal and other signals 6
- They regulate membrane structure and function, intracellular signaling pathways, transcription factor activity, and gene expression 6
- Fatty acids also regulate the production of bioactive lipid mediators, which can influence health, well-being, and disease risk 6