characteristics of lipids
lipid functions (8)
saturated fatty acids
monounsaturated fatty acid
polyunsaturated fatty acid
omega system nomenclature
delta system nomenclature
essential fatty acid discovery
Barr experiment: fed rats diets that were completely fat-free and noticed stunted growth, lost fur, inflamed and scaly tails
- Infant experiment: fed infants diets with <0.1% linoleic acid and noticed poor growth and thickened dry skin
what are the essential fatty acids?
linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) aka. omega-6
alpha linoleic acid (18:3 n-3) aka. omega-3
- humans lack the enzymes necessary to insert DBs beyond the delta-9 position of a fatty acid therefore we have to get from food we consume (abundant in plants)
- the delta-12 and 15 FAs are produced in plants
signs of omega-6 deficiency
skin: dermatitis (water leaves the membrane, leads to lost moisture and potential infection)
growth: decreases
reproductive maturity: decreases
CNS and retinal development are OK
signs of omega-3 deficiency
skin, growth and reproduction are OK
CNS development: IQ decreases
Retinal development: visual acuity decreases
who is most susceptible to EFA deficiency
infants: formula isn’t properly designed
hospitalized patients: fluid diets don’t contain proper amounts of EFAs
how much EFAs in our diet do we need to avoid deficiency?
omega-6 = 2-3% of energy in diet
omega-3 = 1% of energy in diet
why can an imbalance of omega3 and 6 cause problems
n-6 is used to make pro-inflammatory molecules
n-3 is used to make anti-inflammatory molecules
what makes pets susceptible to EFA deficiency?
Dogs: can convert ALA to EPA but not DHA which they require in their diet
Cats: lack the enzymes to make LCFA which they require in their diet
EFA desaturation and elongation
how does linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) lead to pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production?
how does alpha-linoleic acid (18:3 n-3) lead to anti-inflammatory eicosanoid production?
linoleic acid metabolism
what are eicosanoids?
how do we produce eicosanoids?
What are triglycerides (TAGs)?
what are phospholipids?
what are Sterols?