Fatty Acid Metabolism & Balance Flashcards

Which symptom cluster may suggest essential fatty acid deficiency?

Answer: Dry skin, eczema, brittle nails, and dry eyes

EFA insufficiency commonly shows as dry or scaly skin, brittle nails, dry eyes, and poor wound healing.

How does a higher proportion of PUFAs in cell membrane phospholipids affect the membrane?

Answer: It makes it more fluid

Polyunsaturated fatty acids create kinks that increase membrane fluidity and receptor function.

Which foods are the best direct sources of EPA and DHA?

Answer: Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon and sardines

Fatty fish provide preformed EPA and DHA, bypassing inefficient ALA conversion.

Which supplement provides preformed DHA suitable for a vegan client?

Answer: Algal oil

Microalgae are the original source of DHA in fish and supply it directly to vegans.

DHA is especially concentrated in which tissues?

Answer: Brain and retina

DHA is a major structural fat in neuronal membranes and photoreceptors of the retina.

Which is NOT a primary role of cholesterol in the body?

Answer: Primary source of dietary fiber

Cholesterol supports membranes, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids but is not a fiber.

Compared with conventional grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef generally contains:

Answer: Higher omega-3 and more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

Pasture-raised animals typically have a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and more CLA.