Fatty Acids - Classification - Saturated,Unsaturated,Essential,Non-Essential etc & Uses of Omega 3 FA

 Definition -

• Made of aliphatic carboxylic acids with hydrocarbon chain
• have the general formula, R—COOH (R= hydrocarbon chain)

Classification

FA’s – Depending on the number of carbon atoms

1.Even chain:

• They have carbon atoms 2,4,6 and similar series.
• Most of the naturally occurring lipids contain even chain fatty acids.
• e.g. – palmitic acid(16C), stearic acid (18C)

2.Odd chain:

• They have carbon atoms 3, 5, 7, etc.
• seen in microbial cell walls.
• They are also present in milk.
• e.g. – propionic acid (3C),valeric acid (5C)

FA’s – Depending on the length of carbon chain

• Short chain with 2 to 6 carbon atoms
• Medium chain with 8 to 14 carbon atoms
• Long chain with 16 and above, usually up to 24 carbon atoms
• Very long chain fatty acids (more than 24 carbon)

FA’s – Depending on the nature of hydrocarbon chain

1.Saturated Fatty acids-

• Contain no double bonds
• Suffix- “anoic"

2.Unsaturated Fatty acids:

• Contain one or more double bonds
• Suffix- “enoic”

• MonoUnsaturated FA’S - MUFA
• FA’S with one double bond
• E.g. – Palmitic acid (16:1:∆9) – 16c with one double bond between 9&10 C atoms

• PolyUnsaturated FA’S - PUFA
• FA’S with two/more double bond
• w3 family — Linolenic acids ,
• w6 family — Linoleic and Arachidonic acids ,
• w9 family — Oleic acid
  

3.Branched Chain Fatty acids

• FA’s with branched side chains

4.Hydroxy Fatty acids

• FA’s with hydroxy side chains

FA’s – Depending on the nutrition

Essential Fatty acids:

• Not synthesized in body because humans lack enzymes to introduce double bonds carbon atoms beyond 9 in fatty acids
• have to be supplied by diet – vegetable oils
• E.g. Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, Arachidonic acid

Non - Essential Fatty acids:

• Synthesized in body
• E.g. Palmitic Acid

USES OF OMEGA FATTY ACIDS

• Promotes Heart Health
• Improves Bone Health
• Boosts Brain Function
• Enhances eyesight
• Improves Skin health