Comprehensive Final: Fats Flashcards
What are fats composed of?
Fats are composed of glycerol and fatty acid tails, forming triglycerides, the primary storage form of fat in the body.
What are the four primary roles of fatty acids in the body?
Energy storage as triglycerides (TAG).
Building blocks of membranes (phospholipids, sterols).
Modifiers for proteins and coenzymes.
Precursors for hormones and signaling molecules.
What is the difference between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., EPA, DHA) are anti-inflammatory, while omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., LA, ARA) can promote inflammation when overconsumed
What are the main functions of adipose tissue?
Stores energy as triglycerides.
Regulates energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Acts as an endocrine organ, releasing hormones like leptin and adiponectin.
Modulates systemic inflammation.
Why is the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 important?
Excess omega-6 inhibits omega-3 metabolism, potentially increasing inflammation and chronic disease risk.
What is the function of HSL?
HSL breaks down stored triglycerides in adipose tissue into free fatty acids and glycerol, especially during fasting or exercise
What regulates HSL activity?
Activated by low insulin levels and the presence of epinephrine/norepinephrine.
What are eicosanoids?
Biologically active molecules derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
What are the effects of omega-3-derived eicosanoids?
Anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective.
How do omega-6-derived eicosanoids affect the body?
They can promote inflammation and immune responses.
What is lipolysis, and what enzyme catalyzes it?
Lipolysis is the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, catalyzed by hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).
What role does insulin play in fat metabolism?
Insulin inhibits HSL activity, reducing lipolysis, and promotes fat storage.
Which hormones increase lipolysis?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulate HSL to promote lipolysis.
What limits the conversion of ALA (omega-3) to long-chain EPA/DHA?
Diets high in omega-6 fatty acids suppress omega-3 metabolism.
What is metabolic flexibility?
The ability to switch between carbohydrates and fats as energy sources.
How does insulin influence metabolic flexibility?
High insulin promotes carbohydrate oxidation, while low insulin encourages fat oxidation.
How does training with low glycogen levels improve fat metabolism?
It enhances the body’s ability to oxidize fats, increasing endurance performance.
What is the “train-low, compete-high” strategy?
Training in a glycogen-depleted state to improve fat utilization and competing with full glycogen stores for maximum performance.
What energy sources are used when insulin is low?
Free fatty acids from adipose tissue.
Intramuscular triglycerides.
Ketone bodies during prolonged fasting or exercise.
What are some health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids?
Reduced inflammation.
Improved cardiovascular health.
Enhanced mental health and cognitive function.
Protection against joint and connective tissue inflammation.
How do omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation?
They compete with omega-6 fatty acids, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and increasing anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.
What are the benefits of fish oil supplementation?
Reduced joint pain and inflammation.
Improved recovery from exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Enhanced metabolic health and fat oxidation.
