The Importance Of Lipids

Lipids Lipids, along with carbohydrates and proteins are an important part of the human diet in order to maintain a healthy biological system. Lipids serve many important functions, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and cell membrane composition. The human body can synthesize most of its own (ATP)/energy, however, lipids are still needed to be consumed to receive the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which is the only fatty acid that the body cannot synthesise. There are a variety of foods that lipids are found in, and there is a recommended daily intake to be consumed each day. If there is too little or too much, it could cause some health concerns. Lipids can be categorised into four classifications; simple lipids (fatty acids,

Omega 3 is located on the third carbon of certain fatty acid chains and omega 6 is located on the sixth carbon of certain fatty acid chains creating the double bonds (points of unsaturation) on the unsaturated fatty acids from the methyl end (Whitney et al., 2014, p.123). It is important to ensure the omega 3 and omega 6 is included in the diet as this helps to form the substrate for enzymes to prevent cardiovascular disease (Mori,

Insufficient amounts could be seen in the skin and felt in the eyes, as they would lack moisture and look and feel dry, thus leading to rashes and other skin problems. This is just the start of lack of lipids. Disorders relating to a deficiency of omega 3 may include restricted growth, visual and brain problems, reproductive failure and liver and kidney disorders (Noomhorm, Ahmad, & Anal, 2014,