Abstract
Fatty acids (FA) belong to basic structural parts of lipid molecules, which together with carbohydrates and proteins represent main components of living organisms. Fatty acids serve as an important energy source comprising around 30% of total energy intake for humans.
Individual FA significantly influence lipid and glucose metabolism, properties of cell membranes, numerous genes expression and some FA are precursors of important biologically active mediators. In plasma, majority of FA circulates as esterified ones in triacylglycerols, phospholipids and cholesteryl esters, which are packed into lipoprotein particles, Nonesterified FA (NEFA) are transported via noncovalent interactions with albumin.
These different FA pools are characterized by diverse content of individual FA. Both lipoproteins and NEFA ensure FA transport between various body compartments, in which FA play different metabolic, and functional roles.