Essential fatty acid (EFA)
The fatty acids that cannot be synthesised by
the body and therefore should be supplied in the diet are known as essential
fatty acids. Chemically they are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), namely
linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid.
CH3 (CH2)4 CH
= CH-CH2-CH=CH(CH2)7 COOH
Linoleic acid
CH3 (CH2)4 CH
= CH-CH2-CH=CH -CH2-CH = CH(CH2)7
COOH
Linolenic acid
CH3 (CH2)4 CH
= CH-CH2-CH=CH -CH2-CH = CH-CH2-CH=CH-(CH2)3
COOH
Arachidonic acid
·
EFAs are
requried for the membrane structure and functions.They are necessary for the
maintenance of growth, reproduction and good health.
·
They are
important for the transport of cholesterol, formation of lipoportein and
prevention of fatty liver.
·
They
serve as precursor for prostaglandin biosynthesis.
·
They
prolong clotting time and increase fibrinolytic activity.
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