Essential fatty acids

People have particular nutritional demands for certain organic substances. Among them are essential fatty acids. The case is that human body is unable to synthesize 2 essential fatty acids called linoleate and linolenate. Therefore, these essential fatty acids must be obtained from dietary plant sources. Human body may store assimilated fatty acids or oxidize them to get energy. These essential fatty acids are important precursors of eicosanoids needed for numerous significant metabolic processes. Essential fatty acids take part in the production of phospholipids that are important constituents of cell membranes and nerve fibers. Production of some hormones also requires participation of essential fatty acids. From all these standpoints, essential fatty acids are valuable dietary substances. Vegetable oils are precious sources of linoleic and linolenic essential fatty acids. Deficiencies of these essential fatty acids may develop in patients with disordered intestinal absorption, babies fed with low-in-fat formulas, and small children consuming nonfat milk or meals low in fat.