Lipids are molecules that are not soluble in water but can be dissolved in non-polar substances such as alcohol or chloroform (Mandal, n.d.).
Lipid molecules are stored in adipose, or fat tissue, and can be broken down in our bodies to form an energy called ATP. To do so, the lipid molecule is dissected into its base pieces, glycerol and fatty acids. Each of the fatty acids is then broken down into two-carbon pieces and acetyl CoA is formed from each carbon piece. Each acetyl CoA moleculeenters into a series of chemical reactions called the citric acid cycle and ultimately produces 12 ATP (Hudon-Miller, 2013).
A comparison between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids:
Saturated
Unsaturated
*Solid at room temperature
*Animal sources
*Whole fat dairy, red meat, eggs
*Higher melting point
*No double bonds in the molecule
(Mandal, n.d.)
(Smith, Paul, & Segal, 2013)
*Liquid at room temperature
*Plant / fish sources
*Vegetable oils, avocado,
nuts, fatty fish
*Lower melting point
*At least one double bond in
the molecule
*Energy storage
*Allows for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
(A, D, E, and K) in the small bowel
*Acts as messengers to bring proteins
together
The Term Paper on Lipids And Fats Fatty Acid
Lipids are hydrocarbons that are found in living systems in the environment. The main classes of lipids are triglycerides, waxes, steroids, phospholipids, gylcolipids, and sphingolipids (Glanze). The simplest lipid, which makes up the backbone of all of these, is the fatty acid (see page 2). The main characteristics that separate the different kinds of lipids are the derivatives, such as acids, ...
*Steroids – growth, immune function, sexual
function and reproduction
*Cholesterol – important component of cell
membranes
*Insulates and protects organs
(Dutchen, 2010)
(Davis, 2009)
The two main consequences of eating a diet without any fat are lack of energy and poor vitamin absorption.
As previously discussed, the breakdown of fatty acids yield a large amount of ATP, or energy, that can be used by the body. In the absence of fat, the body is forced to utilize carbohydrates for energy which yield less ATP and are quickly depleted. The effect on the body is unregulated energy production, leading to hunger and fatigue (Mandal, n.d.).
In the absence of dietary fat, the body would also be unable to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) leading to vitamin deficiencies. These vitamin deficiencies could lead to a whole host of issues within the body including problems with bones, eyes, nerves, skin, immune function, and blood cells (Coleman, 2011.
Coleman, R. (2011, May).
How Are Fat-Soluble Vitamins Absorbed? Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/448407-howare-fat-soluble-vitamins-absorbed/ Davis, A. (2009).
You Are What You Eat. Retrieved from http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/chemhealth /eat.htm Dutchen, S. (2010, December).
What Do Fats Do in the Body? Retrieved from http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/insidelife science/fats_do.html
Hudon-Miller, S. (2013, April).
How Do Fatty Acids Make Energy? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Yh6Zf51qc #t=304 Mandal, A. (n.d.).
What Are Lipids? Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-areLipids.aspx Mandal, A. (n.d.).
Lipid Health and Nutrition. Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/LipidHealth-and-Nutrition.aspx Smith, M., Paul, M., & Segal, R. Choosing Healthy Fats. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_fats.htm
