Fatty Acids, Free

Synonyms

Fatty acids-unesterified

Definition

Free fatty acids are unesterified, long-chain carboxylic acids. After esterification, fatty acids are found in the complex molecules like triacylglycerols. Usually, low levels of free fatty acids are seen in all tissues, but the substantial increase in the plasma is seen during fasting state. Free fatty acids are transported by albumin. Free fatty acids are oxidized mainly in the liver and muscle cells to provide energy. Fatty acids are also structural components of membrane lipids such as glycolipids and phospholipids. Fatty acids are also the precursor of prostaglandins. After esterification, fatty acids are stored as triacylglycerol in the adipose tissue, and this serves as a major reservoir of energy during fasting.

Fatty acids are called as “unsaturated” if they have at least one double bond in their chemical structure and “saturated” if they have none. Humans can only produce few unsaturated fatty acids in the body, and remaining fatty...