Fatty acids examples
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Examples of Fatty Acids: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are carboxylic acids that are fundamental components of fats, oils, and other lipids, excluding steroids. They typically contain an even number of carbon atoms, ranging from 12 to 20, and are generally unbranched. Fatty acids can be classified based on the presence and number of carbon-to-carbon double bonds into saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids .
Types of Fatty Acids
Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA)
Saturated fatty acids do not contain any carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Common examples include:
- Palmitic Acid (C16:0): Found in palm oil and animal fats .
- Stearic Acid (C18:0): Present in cocoa butter and animal fats .
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA)
Monounsaturated fatty acids contain one carbon-to-carbon double bond. Examples include:
- Oleic Acid (C18:1): Predominantly found in olive oil and canola oil .
- Palmitoleic Acid (C16:1): Found in macadamia oil and fish oil .
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA)
Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Key examples are:
- Linoleic Acid (C18:2): An essential fatty acid found in vegetable oils like sunflower and safflower oil 89.
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (C18:3): Another essential fatty acid found in flaxseed oil and chia seeds .
- Arachidonic Acid (C20:4): Found in animal products and is a precursor to prostaglandins .
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet. The two primary essential fatty acids are:
- Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): Found in vegetable oils and is crucial for skin health and inflammatory responses 79.
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): Found in flaxseed and fish oils, important for cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory effects 79.
Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are important for energy metabolism:
- Acetate, Butyrate, and Propionate (SCFAs): Produced by gut microbial fermentation and play roles in gut health and energy metabolism 45.
- Caprylic Acid (C8:0) and Capric Acid (C10:0) (MCFAs): Found in coconut oil and dairy products, they are quickly metabolized for energy 45.
Long-Chain Fatty Acids
Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are typically found in dietary triglycerides and include:
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Found in fish oils, these are crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation 24.
Conclusion
Fatty acids are diverse molecules essential for various biological functions, from energy metabolism to cellular signaling. They are categorized into saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated types, with specific examples like palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid being prominent in dietary sources. Essential fatty acids such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids are vital for health and must be obtained through diet. Understanding the different types and roles of fatty acids can help in making informed dietary choices and appreciating their significance in health and disease.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic