Definition of Fatty Acids:
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Also: Fatty Acid
Topics Related to Fatty Acids
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
...as a treatment
“...It helps the body metabolize fatty acids to provide energy; promotes a healthy heart and lessens the risk of heart disease; aids in weight loss; improves muscle strength and lowers blood triglyceride levels...”
Aerobic Exercise
...as a treatment
“...Specific benefits of aerobic exercise include ... Increased fat burning enzymes; fat deposits are encouraged to release fatty acids...”
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More topics Related to Fatty Acids
Alcohol-related Problems
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
“Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may contribute to depressive symptoms in alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and postpartum depression.”
Anabolic
...related topic
“...Examples: making a starch out of sugars, a protein out of amino acids, or making triglycerides out of fatty acids are anabolic functions...”
Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the incidence of arrhythmias during a heart attack...”
Atherosclerosis
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
“...diets, there are some intriguing studies that show that a low fat diet may actually increase LDLs and that it may be more important to alter the fats in the diet, decreasing saturated fats and trans fatty acids, and replacing them with poly- and mono-unsaturated fats...”
...recommendation Acetyl-L-Carnitine
“...Important in fatty acid metabolism, depleted in cardiac muscle during acute infarctions.”
Bacterial Dysbiosis
...the condition
“...As there is a decrease in friendly bacteria, the production of short-chain fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients is decreased...”
Biotin
...as a treatment
“...Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a co-enzyme in assisting in the production of fatty acids. In addition, it acts as a catalyst in the oxidation of fatty acids and complex carbohydrates...”
...related topic
“An essential coenzyme that assists in the making of fatty acids and in the burning of carbohydrates and fats for body heat and energy...”
Bipolar Disorder, Manic-Depressive
...recommendation EPA (eicosapentanoic acid)
“...[Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder: A Preliminary Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial...”
Borderline Personality Disorder
...the condition
“...One study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce depression and aggression...”
Butyrate
...as a treatment
“Adequate amounts of butyrate, a fatty acid, are necessary for the health of the large intestine cells...”
...related topic
“Butyrate is an important short chain fatty acid that provides fuel for colon cells and may help protect against colon cancer...”
Caprylic acid
...as a treatment
“...Caprylic Acid (often used in its stable form sodium caprylate) is an 8-carbon fatty acid. It is readily soluble along the gut wall and is best known for its use as an anti-fungal agent...”
Carnitine
...related topic
“A compound found in skeletal and cardiac muscle and certain other tissues that functions as a carrier of fatty acids across the membranes of the mitochondria...”
Chlorophyll
...as a treatment
“...Chlorophyll is known as a "super food" because of the range and quantity of nutrients (vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and essential fatty acids) that it contains, including ... essential fatty acids...”
Cholesterol
...related topic
“A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol...”
Chronic Inflammation
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“...A dietary deficiency of Omega-3 type fatty acids has been associated with a tendency toward chronic inflammation, which regular consumption of these oils can reduce...”
Chronic Renal Insufficiency
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“There have been a variety of trials of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with a variety of renal disorders...”
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
...as a treatment
“...CLA is a natural fatty acid found in beef, lamb, turkey and cheese...”
Cleavers
...as a treatment
“...The plant contains organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid and citric acid...”
Coconut
...as a treatment
“...Some individuals cannot handle the medium chain fatty acids contained in coconut oil due to gallbladder/liver fat handling problems...”
Colon Cancer
...recommendation Arabinogalactans
“...It has been shown to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, principally butyrate and proprionate...”
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“A high intake of omega-3 fatty acids may protect cigarette smokers against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...”
Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
“Many studies have shown that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake can cut the rate of sudden cardiac death by nearly one-half, in both apparently healthy patients and those who have suffered a previous heart attack...”
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“Many studies have shown that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake, through fish consumption or through supplementation, can cut the rate of sudden cardiac death by nearly 50% in both apparently healthy patients and those who have suffered a...”
Crohn's Disease
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“...Among the fatty acids that correlated with the Crohn's disease activity index, EPA and total Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids showed the most significant negative correlations...”
Cumin
...as a treatment
“...Like most seeds, it is the various oils and fatty acids that give cumin its particular activity...”
Delta-6-Desaturase
...related topic
“...It is deficient or inhibited in diabetes, obesity, older people, and in the presence of insulin, coffee, trans fatty acids, or alcohol...”
Depression
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
“Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may contribute to depressive symptoms in alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, postpartum depression and bipolar depression...”
DHA
...related topic
“...A metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.”
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
...as a treatment
“...Supplementation with an algae source of docosahexaenoic acid increases (n-3) fatty acid status and alters selected risk factors for heart disease in vegetarian subjects...”
Diabetes Type II
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“...When soluble fiber ferments during digestion it produces 'short chain fatty acids' that increase the metabolism of glucose and thus may add to the beneficial effects of dietary fiber on diabetes.”
Diarrhea
...the condition
“...A stool pH of less than 5.3 suggests carbohydrate malabsorption because colonic bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids from malabsorbed carbohydrate...”
EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Requirement
...the condition
“...Essential fatty acids must be obtained from food or supplements...”
EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
...the condition
“Alternative names: EFA Type 3, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-3 Fats, Omega-3, LNA, N-3 fats, Alpha-Linolenic Acid, α-Linolenic Acid Essential Fatty Acid Type 3, or Omega-3, is one of two fatty acids that are essential to human health because they cannot be synthesized by the body (the other is Omega-6)...”
...our question about Postpartum depression
“Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may contribute to depressive symptoms in alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and postpartum depression.”
...relationship to Stroke
“Consuming cold water fish (and probably omega-3 fatty acids) reduced the incidence of stroke in women by 28 percent...”
EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 6 Requirement
...the condition
“Alternative names: EFA Type 6, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fats, Omega-6, LA, N-6 fats, Linoleic Acid Essential Fatty Acid Type 6, or Omega-6, is one of two fatty acids that are essential to human health because they cannot be synthesized by the body (the other is Omega-3)...”
Effects of a High Fat Diet
...the condition
“...The fats which are called omega-6 and omega-3 fats are essential fats (fatty acids), because we only get them through the foods we eat...”
EPA
...related topic
“...A metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.”
EPA (eicosapentanoic acid)
...as a treatment
“...A study on elderly Japanese patients demonstrated that blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA increase after prolonged consumption of ALA from a plant-based oil...”
Essential Fatty Acids
...as a treatment
“...The two fatty acids that are essential to good health in humans are the omega-3 EFA called alpha-linolenic acid (α-linolenic acid or LNA) and the omega-6 EFA called linoleic acid (LA)...”
Evening Primrose Oil
...as a treatment
“...Patients should use a brand of OEP that contain these amounts of fatty acids, and they should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for dosing...”
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
...the condition
“...One group of researchers have reported that EPO normalizes blood levels of fatty acids in women with fibrocystic disease...”
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Requirement
“Fatty acid profiles may be abnormal in women with fibrocystic breast disease...”
...recommendation Evening Primrose Oil
“...One group of researchers have reported that EPO normalizes blood levels of fatty acids in women with fibrocystic disease...”
Fish Oils
...as a treatment
“Fish oil is a form of fatty acid that is derived from the tissues of oily fish...”
Giardiasis Infection
...recommendation Prebiotics
“...Prebiotic fermentation increases short-chain fatty acid production in the colon, and subsequent increased mucin production in the GI tract, which may enhance giardial clearing...”
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid)
...as a treatment
“Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid found mainly in vegetable oils...”
Gotu Kola
...as a treatment
“...The chemical composition of gotu kola is quite extensive including saponins, volatile oils, sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and carotenoids...”
Heat Exhaustion
...the condition
“...Sweat consists sodium, chloride, potassium, proteins and fatty acids; in order to replace what you are losing, eat salty snacks and foods high in sodium and potassium...”
High Levels Of Triglycerides
...the condition
“...Fatty acids from triglycerides are used for muscular work or stored as body fat for future energy production...”
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
“Omega-3 fatty acids can have a profound effect on lowering triglyceride levels.”
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More topics Related to Fatty Acids
High/Increased Fiber Diet
...as a treatment
“...Soluble fiber is fermented by colonic microflora resulting in the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyric acid...”
High/Increased Protein Diet
...as a treatment
“...Other beneficial sources of protein include: fish (essential fatty acids), eggs (essential fatty acids), beans (fiber), whole grains (fiber, vitamins, minerals)...”
Hydrogenated Fats Avoidance
...as a treatment
“...Processed foods made with hydrogenated oils pose another (even worse) health hazard: trans fatty acids. These are chemically altered (processed) fats...”
Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)
...the condition
“...These include: Omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats found in olive and hazelnut oils, vitamin A cod liver oil, l-Glutamine, Silica, digestive enzymes, friendly intestinal flora or soil based organisms (SBOs), ginseng...”
Increased Fish Consumption
...as a treatment
“...to most meats and poultry, fish is much lower in total fat and saturated fat, is a source of very high-quality protein, supplies lots of vitamins and minerals and contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. By adding one or two fish meals to your family's diet each week, you can net some very hefty health benefits...”
Indoor Allergies
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“Replenishing a deficiency of Omega-3 type fatty acids in the diet has resulted in fewer allergic and inflammatory reactions.”
Intermittent Claudication
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“...dietary changes for preventing atherosclerosis (and, consequently, intermittent claudication) include avoiding meat and dairy fat, increasing fiber, and possibly avoiding foods containing trans fatty acids.”
Intestinal Malabsorption Syndrome
...the condition
“...The following findings suggest that intestinal malabsorption is occurring ... increased free fatty acids (split fats) indicates normal fat digestion but impaired fat absorption...”
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
...as a treatment
“...Other major useful functions of friendly bacteria include ... Producing short chain fatty acids which supply a valuable proportion of human energy requirements...”
Lecithin
...related topic
“A mixture of phospholipids that is composed of fatty acids, glycerol, phosphorus, and choline or inositol...”
Lecithin / Choline
...as a treatment
“...Commercial lecithin supplies choline, inositol, phosphoric acid and fatty acids to the diet...”
Lipase
...as a treatment
“...Lipase is the enzyme required to break down fats and lipids (to give mono- and diglycerides, glycerol and free fatty acids) and is produced in the pancreas before being released into the small intestine...”
Lipid
...related topic
“Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.”
Liver Detoxification Phase II Support
...as a treatment
“...Fat-soluble chemicals have a high affinity for fat tissues and cell membranes, which are composed of fatty acids and proteins...”
Lung Cancer
...our question about Omega-6 oil intake
“Although smoking has been linked to lung cancer, the risk of developing it may be increased more by fatty acid consumption while smoking, rather than by the smoking itself...”
Magnesium
...as a treatment
“...Magnesium Stearate: A salt form of magnesium with two molecules of stearic acid (18 carbon fatty acid). Used almost exclusively as a lubricant in the formation of tablets and capsules...”
Magnesium Malate
...as a treatment
“...These reactions include those involved in the Krebs cycle (one of the body's energy production systems), energy transport and storage, the breakdown of fatty acids, DNA metabolism, and hormone regulation, the activation of B vitamins, proper nerve function and neurotransmitter activity, and the formation and maintenance of protein, fatty acids and...”
Male Hair Loss
...recommendation Saw Palmetto
“...The dosage of fatty acids from saw palmetto is 270-300mg daily...”
Manganese
...as a treatment
“...Manganese is ... Required to produce melanin and to synthesize fatty acids...”
Migraine/Tension Headaches
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines...”
Monounsaturated Fatty Acid
...related topic
“...Olive oil and canola oil are high in monounsaturated fatty acids.”
Multiple Sclerosis
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
“Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may contribute to depressive symptoms in alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and postpartum depression...”
Myasthenia Gravis
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“...A blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may provide supportive benefit in the treatment of myasthenia gravis”
Myeloproliferative Neoplasm
...the condition
“...following supplements may help: A daily multivitamin containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium; Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, 1 – 2 capsules or 1 – 3 tablespoonfuls oil, 1 – 3 times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help with immunity; A probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus...”
Nut and Seed Consumption
...as a treatment
“Nuts, in general, are the richest source of natural vitamin E and also have many fatty acids that are of benefit in a wide variety of conditions...”
Olive Oil
...as a treatment
“...The major fatty acid present in olive oil is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) constituting some 55-83% of total fatty acids...”
Painful Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea)
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement
“In a double-blind placebo-controlled study among a group of girls suffering from dysmenorrhea, it was found that the symptoms could be significantly reduced by dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. This particular study used fish oil...”
...recommendation Essential Fatty Acids
“Long-term improvement may be gained by promoting the build up of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins with Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil...”
Pantethine
...as a treatment
“...Among other things, the transport and catabolism of fatty acids is dependent on CoA...”
Pantothenic Acid
...related topic
“...It is also essential for the formation of fatty acids. As a coenzyme, it participates in the utilization of riboflavin and in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”
Platelet Aggregation (Clotting)
...the condition
“...Several organic substances may promote platelet clumping which include collagen, ADP, the catecholamines, certain immune complexes and fatty acids. Cigarette smoking often contributes to "hyperactive" platelet formation...”
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid
...related topic
“...Safflower, sunflower, corn and soy oils are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.”
Poor Small Intestine Health
...the condition
“...It also secretes peptidase to split peptides (from protein) into amino acids, and lipase to break down fat into glycerol and fatty acids. The duodenum receives bile from the liver and gallbladder, to decrease the surface tension between the large fat globules and water, and break them into smaller globules that can be acted...”
Poor/Slow Wound Healing
...relationship to EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Requirement
“Failure to provide either omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids in the diet results in poor wound healing.”
Pregnancy-Related Issues
...the condition
“...Breast feeding for at least 4 months or, to a lesser degree, consumption of oily fish or Omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy, improved maturation of babies' visual cortexes with resulting better vision at 3 1⁄2 years of age...”
...recommendation DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
“There is strong evidence to suggest that children develop improved visual acuity and achieve a higher verbal IQ when breast-fed because they receive a fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in breast milk...”
Probiotics
...as a treatment
“...Bifidobacteria use the fiber from foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains to make short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate...”
Rheumatoid Arthritis
...recommendation Copper
“...The copper in the bracelets reacts with the fatty acids in the skin to form copper salts that are absorbed into the body...”
Saturated Fatty Acid
...related topic
“...Butter and lard are high in saturated fatty acids.”
Saw Palmetto
...as a treatment
“...Although Saw Palmetto is also available as a tea, the fatty acids in the herb thought to be at least partly responsible for its effects are not extracted well into water; thus, drinking a tea would not be as effective against BPH for example...”
Serine
...as a treatment
“A natural moisturizer, Serine promotes healthy skin, helps the body metabolize fats and fatty acids, promotes muscle growth, and supports the immune system.”
Shiitake Mushrooms
...as a treatment
“...Primary chemical constituents of Shiitake include Polysaccharide, eritadenine, proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins D, B-2, B-12...”
Tendency Toward Postpartum Depression
...the condition
“...Long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may contribute to depressive symptoms in alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and postpartum depression...”
...recommendation DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
“US scientists found low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, in mother's milk and in the red blood cells of women with postpartum depression...”
Triglyceride
...related topic
“...Containing three fatty acids and one unit of glycerol, triglycerides are stored in adipose cells in the body, which, when broken down, release fatty acids into the blood...”
Unsaturated Fats
...related topic
“In foods, fats missing hydrogen atoms in specific places on the fatty acid molecule; depending on the number of missing atoms, these fats are classified as either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated...”
Unsaturated Fatty Acid
...related topic
“Any fatty acid containing one or more double bonds, including oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids.”
Vitamin B12 Requirement
...the condition
“...It is needed for ... Fatty acid and amino acid metabolism...”
Vitamin B3 Requirement
...the condition
“...They play a key role in glycolysis (extracting energy from carbohydrate and glucose), are important in fatty acid synthesis and in the deamination (nitrogen removal) of amino acids, are needed in the formation of red blood cells and steroids, and are helpful in the metabolism of some drugs and toxins...”
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
...as a treatment
“...CoA plays a major role in the metabolism of fatty acids, cholesterol, amino acids, vitamins A and D, steroid hormones and much more...”
Vitamin B-Complex Requirement
...the condition
“...Biotin aids in cell growth and in fatty acid production...”
Yarrow
...as a treatment
“...Yarrow contains lactones, flavonoids, tannins, resins, coumarins, saponins, sterols, fatty acids and sugars...”
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Last updated: Jan 01, 2019