Which statement accurately describes essential fatty acids in general?

• A. They must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them
• B. They can be synthesized in adequate amounts by the body
• C. They are only found in animal fats
• D. They are all polyunsaturated and omega-3

Answer: (B)

Essential fatty acids are fats the body cannot make in sufficient amounts, so they must come from the diet. The two recognized essentials are linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3). The body can use these as starting materials to make longer-chain fatty acids, but it cannot supply enough of them on its own, which is why dietary intake is necessary. Statements claiming they can be synthesized in adequate amounts are incorrect. They are not limited to animal fats; plant oils like corn, sunflower, flaxseed, and canola provide these fats. While they are polyunsaturated, they are not all omega-3—one is omega-3 and the other is omega-6, so the group includes both types.