Role of Fatty Acids in the Body

Fatty acids exist either in a “free” form or as fatty acyl esters in complex molecules such as

cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, and triacylglycerols. Esterified fatty acids,

mainly in the form of triacylglycerols stored in adipocytes, serve as the major energy source of

the body. Substantial amounts of fatty acids can be found in plasma, particularly during

fasting. Fatty acids can be oxidized to provide energy. Fatty acids are

structural components of plasma membranes in the form of phospholipids and glycolipids.