Fatty Acid Functions
The main functions of fatty acids are:
Energetic function
Fatty acids are very energetic molecules and are necessary in all cellular processes in the presence of oxygen, since due to their hydrogen content they can be oxidized to a greater extent than carbohydrates or other organic compounds that are not reduced.
Structural function
Fatty acids are fundamental components of phospholipids and sphingolipids, molecules that form the lipid bilayer of the membranes of all cells.
Regulatory function
Some fatty acids are precursors of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, molecules with great biological activity, which intervene in the regulation and control of numerous vital processes, such as the inflammatory response, regulation of body temperature, blood clotting processes, contraction of blood smooth muscle, etc.