ON THE ESSENTIAL NATURE OF POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDS

Several plant oils contain polyunsaturated fatty acids which cannot be synthesized by the human body. They have been recognized as essential nutrients, as characteristic symptoms are caused by deficient intake. The LCP-fatty acids are incorporated into structural lipids and cell membrans and influence directly their properties. LCP-fatty acids are precursors of prostaglandins, lencotrienes and eicosanoid mediators, which intern regulate numerous cell functions. The effects of LCP-fatty acids on pre- and postnatal growth and the nervous system are discussed in detail.