Potential favourable health effects of some dietary uncommon fatty acids

Abstract

In addition to the major fatty acids widely studied, our diet contains many bioactive fatty acids less frequently investigated such as n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (n-3 DPA), natural trans fatty acids, conjugated fatty acids (CLAs), furan fatty acids (FuFAs), branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and fatty acid esters of hydroxyl fatty acids (FAHFAs). Many of them may have beneficial health effects, particularly in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. This review aims to give a brief overview of the current knowledge on these lipids. Thus, information about biosynthesis, food and tissue content, daily intake, biological and potential health effects of these fatty acids is provided.