Which statement about essential fatty acids is true?

Which statement about essential fatty acids is true?

• A. Linoleic acid is essential
• B. Alpha-linolenic acid is essential
• C. Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are essential
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Essential fatty acids are fats the body cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts, so they must come from the diet. The two that fit this role in humans are linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3). They are essential because they provide the building blocks for longer-chain fatty acids and for important roles in cell membranes and signaling. Therefore, the statement that linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are essential is true. If only one were essential, the statement would be incomplete, and saying none are essential would be incorrect. Other fats, like oleic acid, can be made by the body and are not considered essential.

Essential fatty acids are fats the body cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts, so they must come from the diet. The two that fit this role in humans are linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3). They are essential because they provide the building blocks for longer-chain fatty acids and for important roles in cell membranes and signaling. Therefore, the statement that linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are essential is true. If only one were essential, the statement would be incomplete, and saying none are essential would be incorrect. Other fats, like oleic acid, can be made by the body and are not considered essential.