The importance of essential fatty acids in food

Much attention has been focused on the need to limit dietary intake. Nevertheless, the body does need fats – but the right fats and in appropriate quantities. Specifically, it needs essential fatty acids, which perform a variety of vital bodily functions.

Fatty acids in foods occur mainly in the form of esters with the alcohol glycerol. The predominant esters are tricayglycerols accompanied by minor amounts of mono- and diacylglycerols and free fatty acids.

Essential fatty acids profoundly influence the health of the human body, including brain and immune system function. Essential fatty acids carry the fat soluble vitamins. They are essential for growth and development, and for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. And they provide the body with energy. A variety of problems can occur if the body fails to receive adequate amounts of essential fatty acids.

Signs of deficiency may include retarded growth; skin hair and nail disorders; and an impaired metabolism of fats and fat soluble vitamins.

Two fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be provided by the diet: the essential fatty acids Linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid are polyunsaturated fatty acids. If the diet lacks adequate amounts of either linoleic or alpha linolenic acid, deficiency symptoms will develop that include scaly skin, hair loss, and slow wound healing.
The importance of essential fatty acids in food