Topic 6 Dietary Lipids Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the three main classes of fatty acids?
Saturated, Monounsaturated (MUFA), and Polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids.
What is stearic acid?
An 18-carbon saturated fatty acid found in most animal fats.
What is oleic acid?
An 18-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive and canola oils.
What is linoleic acid?
An 18-carbon omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in sunflower, safflower, and corn oils.
What is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)?
An 18-carbon omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in flaxseed, walnuts, and soybean oil.
What is the basic structure of a triglyceride?
A glycerol backbone with three attached fatty acids.
What does hydrogenation do to unsaturated fats?
It adds hydrogen atoms, making them more saturated and forming trans fats.
What are trans fats?
Unsaturated fats with hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, created through hydrogenation.
What determines whether a fatty acid is omega-3, -6, or -9?
The position of the first double bond from the methyl end of the carbon chain.
Which fatty acids are essential?
Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).
Why are linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids essential?
Humans lack enzymes to insert double bonds at the omega-3 and omega-6 positions.
What are eicosanoids?
Signaling molecules derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with opposing physiological effects.
How do eicosanoids from omega-3 differ from those from omega-6?
Omega-3 derived eicosanoids reduce inflammation and clotting, while omega-6 derived eicosanoids promote inflammation and clotting.
What is the recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA for heart health in adults?
500 mg per day, typically through oily fish or a combination with ALA intake.
