Essential Fatty Acids
examples of eicosanoids
prostanoids: prostaglandin, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins leukotrienes: LTs
function of essential fatty acids
structure and integrity of cell membrane; cell signaling; precursors of eicosanoids; DHA: development of the retina and the brain; energy source
eicosanoids
20 carbon molecules with hormone-like activity made locally within cells
other n-6 fatty acids made from linoleic acid
arachidonic acid and dihomo-l-linolenic acod
sources of omega-6
corn oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil
other n-3 fatty acids made from alpha-linolenic acid
eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid
sources of omega-3 fatty acids
fish oils, canola oil and soybean oil
leukotrienes
inflammation, general protection; communication between cells; smooth muscle contraction and chemotactic properties (implicated as mediators in asthma, immediate hypersensitivity)
essential fatty acids
linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid; must be obtained from diet
thromboxanes
vasoconstriction and aggregration of platelets
prostacyclins
vasodilation and antiaggregation