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