Lipid digestion, absorption and transport Flashcards
(144 cards)
What are lipids?
Lipids are fats
Name the different types of dietary lipids:
Triglycerides (most abundant in diet)
Phospholipids (cell membrane)
Steroids
Describe the structure of triglycerides
Glycerol
hydrocarbon backbone
attached to fatty acids
3 carbon atoms + 3 fatty acids
(phospholipids have 2 carbon atoms)
3 fatty acids
What is the structure of steroids?
have hydrocarbon in the from of ring structure
attached to fatty acids
Give examples of steroids
- Cholesterol (precursor for biosynthesis of below)
- Cortisol
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
Why do lipids require a special mechanism for digestion and absorption?
As they are hydrophobic and water insoluble
What are lipids made up of?
Fatty acids
Name the 2 difference classifications of fatty acids
- Saturated
- unsaturated
2. Unsaturated
What does it mean if a fatty acid is saturated?
each H atom is attached to carbon atom with single carbon bond
What does it mean if a fatty acid is unsaturated?
some carbon atoms have double covalent bonds
have less hydrogen
less attached to hydrogen
What can unsaturated carbons be further split into?
- Monounsaturated fatty acids
2. Poly unsaturated fatty acids
What does it mean if a fatty acid is Monounsaturated ?
It only has ONE double covalent bond between carbons
What does it mean if a fatty acid is poly unsaturated ?
Means there’s 1 or more double covalent bonds between carbon atoms (makes them less saturated with hydrogens) in the fattty acid chain
What state are saturated fatty acids found in?
SOLIDS
can withstand higher temp
Give examples of saturated fatty acids
Any fat eg
- Butter (solid at room temp as SATURATED)
- Ghee
- Coconut oil (solid at room temp)
- lard
What state are unsaturated fatty acids found in?
oils majorly
Give examples of unsaturated fatty acids
Any oils
eg olive oil= monounsaturated type
Give some functions of lipids (6)
1.2nd most used Energy source (after carbs)
- Helps body absorb important fat soluble vitamins
-> fat used to help these enter body cells/ circulation (otherwise can not) - supports key body processes such as synthesis of important hormones in body
e.g. cortisol = precursor for many other hormones
- Fat cushions internal organs and protects them from being damaged e.g. kidney, abdominal organs
- Fat layer below the skin insulated the body = subcutaneous fat
- Fat plays a general role in maintaining healthy skin + tissues + hair (and other organs/ tissues)
When do lipids serve as a source of energy?
Once calories from carbohydrates are used up if we are very active
body uses fats to make energy
Give examples of fat soluble vitamins
Vitamin A, D, E and K
for every gram of fat we burn, we get how many calories of energy?
9
What are some health issues associated with excessive dietary fat intake? (5)
obesity
diabetes
cancer
hypertension
atherosclerosis
What is the FDAs advice regarding fats?
max 35% of the total dietary intake should come from fat
What is the FDAs advice regarding saturated fat (most dangerous as well as trans fats)
No more than 10% of the total energy intake should come from saturated fat