What are essential fatty acids?
Q: What are essential fatty acids?
A: Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must eat.
Q: Why do we need essential fatty acids?
A: The body needs essential fatty acids for good health but cannot make them.
Q: Can the body produce essential fatty acids?
A: No, the body cannot produce essential fatty acids.
Q: How many essential fatty acids are needed for humans?
A: Two essential fatty acids are needed for humans.
Q: What were essential fatty acids called when they were discovered?
A: When the two EFAs were discovered in 1923, they were called "vitamin F".
Q: What did research on rats show about essential fatty acids in 1929?
A: Research on rats showed that the two EFAs are fats rather than vitamins.
Q: What are "conditionally essential" fatty acids?
A: Some other fatty acids are "conditionally essential", meaning that they may become essential under some circumstances.
