Question

The most essential of the fatty acids is
(A) Arachidonic acid
(B) Palmitic acid
(C) Linoleic acid
(D) Oleic acid

Answer 1

Fatty acids are classified into essential and non-essential fatty acids. Non-essential fatty acids are naturally synthesized in the body where the essential fatty acids must be taken as the food to get them into the body. Hence these are very necessary to be taken to maintain good health.

Complete Answer:
Only two fatty acids are essential in nature. They are

(1) alpha-linolenic acid:
These fatty acids are found in many seeds, hemp, chia, flaxseed, walnuts and in many vegetable oils like groundnut oil, sunflower oil etc. It is mainly used in the prevention of heart diseases, lower blood pressure. It also helps in the reversing of the blood vessels hardening.

(2) Linoleic acid:
These fatty acids are colorless liquids which are present in the plant oils. These are used to prevent chronic diseases and it reduces the production of prostaglandin. These fatty acids are also called omega- fatty acids.
Hence, in the given option’s arachidonic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid are non-essential fatty acids whereas linolenic acid is the only essential fatty acid.

Thus, the option (C) is correct.

Note: Other than these two types of fatty acids there is also a third type, conditionally essential fatty acids. These become essential and need to be uptake by the body only at the time of disease condition. Example for this is gamma- linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) and docosahexaenoic acid (omega-6 fatty acid).