Role of Essential Fatty Acids. “Essential Fatty Acid" refers to fatty acids required for biological processes but does not include the fats that only act as fuel.

2. • The term refers to fatty acids required for biological processes.
• Plays critical to the proper function of body.
• Body is not able to produce these fatty acids on its own, so it is
necessary to supply through Diet.
• Two important fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (an ω-3 fatty
acid) and linolenic acid (an ω-6 fatty acid).
• These acids are important in the normal functioning of all tissues of
the body.

3. MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) has double bond at 3rd carbon from
ω end. Hence called as ω-3.
Linolenic Acid (LA) has double bond at 6th carbon from ω end.
Hence called as ω-6.
These two cannot be synthesized by humans because humans
lack the Desaturase enzymes required for their production.
They form the starting point for the creation of longer and more
desaturated fatty acids, known as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty
acids.

4. SOURCES
Omega-3 sources include:
 Nuts
 Soybeans
 Walnut oil
 Canola oil
 Flaxseed oil
 Cold water fatty fish such as salmon, herring,
cod, flounder, tuna, bluefish and shrimp
Omega-6 sources include:
 Leafy vegetables
 Seeds
 Nuts
 Grains
 Vegetable oils (corn, safflower, soybean,
cottonseed, sesame, sunflower)

5. ROLES OF EFA’S IN OUR BODY
Have a ton of benefits on your body and its cells.
 Help with cellular development and the formation of healthy cell
membranes.
Blocks tumour formation in animals, also blocks the growth of human
breast cancer cells
 Assist in the development and function of the brain and nervous
system.
 Regulates proper thyroid and adrenal activity.

6.  Plays a role in thinning your blood, which prevents blood clots, heart
attacks and stroke.
 Regulates blood pressure, immune responses and liver function.
 Helps you look good, as deficiency causes skin problems, including
eczema, dandruff, split nails and brittle hair.
 Forms Lipid rafts which affects cellular signalling.
 Acts on DNA, activates or inhibits transcription factors

7.  Possess natural anti-inflammatory qualities hence relieves symptoms
of arthritis and other autoimmune system diseases.
Helps in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
 Gives relief from the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis,
menstrual pain, and joint pain.
 Increases insulin sensitivity and efficiency.
Promotes the synthesis of muscle, and the ability of cell to utilize
nutrients efficiently.

8.  Increases neurological sensitivity and innervations of muscle fibers.
Appear to be important for brain memory, performance and
behavioural function.
 Body converts LA and ALA to Docosapentaenoic acid and
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) respectively. DHA is important for the
growth of brain in infants.
Rate of conversion from ALA to DHA is less in small babies. Hence,
LA and ALA is important for Human Life.
And there are many more…………

9.  In the 1950’s Arild Hansen showed that infants fed skimmed milk
developed essential fatty acid deficiency.
 Deficiency of ω-3 causes mood swings, memory loss, dementia, Vision
problems, hair and skin problems.
 ω-3 & ω-6 fatty acids forms Eicosanoids that are metabolized in short
time. If synthesis exceeds metabolism, tending to accumulation, can have
deleterious effect.
This may cause plumping of platelets, arthritis, lupus and asthma.
 Deficiency of EFA’s causes
skin diseases like Toad Skin.
DISORDERS DUE TO INCREASED AND
DECREASED EFA’S LEVEL

10. CONCLUSION
 It is recommended that essential fatty acids make up 3% to 6%
of your daily caloric intake.
 Of this percentage, you should consume 2 to 4 times more
omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.
 A well-planned plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts,
seeds, and legumes will allow you to obtain plenty of these
omega-6s and omega-3s for optimal health benefits.
 Whether you are interested in promoting heart health, ensuring
the proper growth and development of your child, or relieving pain,
adequate intake of the essential fatty acids can help you achieve
your goal.