FATTY ACIDS AS BIOCOMPOUNDS: THEIR ROLE IN HUMAN METABOLISM, HEALTH AND DISEASE - A REVIEW. PART 2: FATTY ACID PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES AND APPLICATIONS IN HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Summary

This two-part narrative review synthesizes the classification, dietary sources, biological functions, and physiological roles of fatty acids in human metabolism. Part 1 establishes that essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid) and conditionally essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA, DHA) must be obtained from diet, and that dietary fat type—determined by source—influences health outcomes. Part 2 emphasises the mechanisms by which LC n-3 PUFA function as precursors of inflammation-resolving lipid mediators and presents evidence supporting their protective effects across multiple chronic disease categories including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and immune disorders. The authors conclude that nutrigenomics approaches are needed to better understand how dietary fatty acid composition influences health outcomes.

Regional applicability

The review's dietary recommendations and health claims are internationally applicable and relevant to United Kingdom nutrition policy and public health guidance. However, the review does not examine UK-specific food consumption patterns or the availability and affordability of oily fish sources in UK food environments.

Key measures

Dietary intake recommendations for EPA + DHA (mg/day); roles of fatty acids as energy substrates, membrane structural components, nuclear receptor ligands, and precursors of lipid mediators; evidence for protective effects in maternal/offspring health, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and immune function

Outcomes reported

The two-part review describes fatty acid classification, identifies dietary sources of different fatty acid types, explains their biological functions in human metabolism and cell membranes, and synthesises evidence on physiological roles of fatty acids—particularly long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA)—and their applications in preventing or managing chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and immune disorders.

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