CHAPTER 17: Unit 3. Essentials Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are acids that cannot be produced in the human and animal bodies, but they are

very important and the health because:

1. They help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamin
2. They help protecting the skin
3. Fight inflammation
4. They are precursors for prostaglandins
5. They develop good health and growth
6. They are part of cell membrane structure

Common fatty acids are illustrated below:

Reference: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/role-of-dietary-fatty-acids-in-dogs-cats/

Essential Fatty Acids Structures:

Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Structures-of-omega-6-and-omega-3-fatty-acids-Omega-3-fatty-acids-differ-from-omega-6_fig1_221928235