Fatty Acids

Description

Fatty Acids are organic (Carboxylic) Acids with a long straight Hydrocarbon chain and an even number of Carbon atoms.

In addition to the generalized functions of all Fatty Acids listed in this topic, most Fatty Acids also have specific functions that are described in their individual entries.

Metabolism

 Fatty Acids are the primary component of the body''s Adipose Tissue (body fat):

 Fatty Acids normally comprise 80% - 85% of the body''s Adipose Tissue but the Fatty Acid profile of Adipose Tissue can vary greatly as a direct consequence of consumption of different proportions of Saturated, Monounsaturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids.

Growth Factors

 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) mobilizes Fatty Acids from Adipose Tissue for usage in the endogenous production of Energy (by preventing Insulin from transporting Glucose across Cell Membranes, the body is "forced" to mobilize Fatty Acids from Adipose Tissue as an alternative source of endogenous Energy).