An example of essential fatty acids is

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Biochemistry & Nutrition

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Explanation

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fatty acids that humans must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them.
The two primary EFAs are Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid).
These are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), meaning they have more than one double bond in their chemical structure.
The body lacks the specific enzymes required to introduce double bonds at the omega-3 and omega-6 positions, making these fatty acids essential in the diet.

Option A: This option is incorrect because both Palmitic acid and Oleic acid are non-essential. Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid, and Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, both of which can be synthesized by the human body.
Option C: This option is incorrect because both Butyric acid and Palmitic acid are non-essential saturated fatty acids that the body can produce.
Option D: This option is incorrect because both Oleic acid and Palmitic acid are non-essential. The body can synthesize both of these fatty acids.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of essential fatty acids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
EFAs are crucial for forming healthy cell membranes, proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for producing hormone-like substances called eicosanoids which regulate blood pressure, inflammation, and blood clotting.
A deficiency in essential fatty acids can lead to a condition called phrynoderma or 'toad skin', characterized by rough, dry, and horny eruptions on the skin, along with poor wound healing and hair loss.
What if? If a patient is on long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) without a lipid source, the nurse must monitor for signs of EFA deficiency, as this is a common cause. The treatment would involve adding a lipid emulsion containing EFAs to the TPN regimen.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question's core concept: 'essential fatty acids'.
Recall the definition of 'essential' in nutrition: a nutrient that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained from the diet.
Remember the two main classes of essential fatty acids: omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid).
Scan the options to find the pair that matches this knowledge.
Eliminate options containing non-essential fatty acids. Saturated fats (like palmitic and butyric acid) and omega-9 fats (like oleic acid) are non-essential because the body can produce them.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QnJSODOLIzRM1eG8vjq28l

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 20-22

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 145-147

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 236-238