Essential Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Essential fatty acids have to be supplied in our diet as they are essential part of normal growth and nutrition of mammals, including man and hence called essential fatty acids. Main sources of Essential fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and alpha Linolenic acid (ALA are sea foods, eggs, vegans don’t include animal origin foods. They are usually long chain on saturated fatty acids. Animal tissues contain enzyme desaturases, which are capable of desaturating saturated fatty acids, normally at position 9 (Enzymes are also present that can produce polyunsaturated fatty acids), but the additional double bonds are created between first double bond at position 9 and carbon group at position. Maximum studies reveal that Vegans consume very low of Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid, unless they take supplements. Studies indicate that adipose, serum; plasma, Platelets and erythrocytes levels of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are higher in omnivores than Vegans.