Essential Fatty Acids


In This Section:
Why Our Bodies Need Fats
Essential Fatty Acids
Triglycerides
Cholesterol
Lipoproteins
Dietary Guidelines for Fat


Essential Fatty Acids Are:

• Linoleic, Linolenic, Arachidonic Acids
  
• Linolenic and arachidonic can be made from linoleic acid in the body. These are found in vegetable oils.
  
  

These are needed to:

• Strengthen cell membrane and capillary structure
• Combines with cholesterol and helps to transport it in the blood
• Helps with the metabolism of cholesterol, and lowers blood cholesterol
• Helps to regulate blood clotting time
• Involved with inflammatory response
• Is needed to form prostaglandins which have a variety of roles such as contraction of smooth muscles and muscle tone, blood clotting, regulation of blood pressure and many other functions.
  

Symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency

• Thirst
• Dry dull hair
• Scaly skin
• Exzema
• Impaired wound healing
• Inadequate amounts can contribute to heart disease and possibly arthritis

Amount needed to prevent fatty acid deficiency

At least 2% - 5% of the calories in your diet should come from linoleic acid to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency. This is about 2 teaspoons per day of vegetable oils, especially canola, safflower, and soybean oil.