FATS

Question 1

WHAT ARE FATS?

Answer 1

Fats provides:
the most concentrated form of energy in the diet (9 kcal/g)
Essential nutrients called EFA (Essential fatty acids) such as Omegas
UK DVR is no more than 35% of energy.
Fat can be insoluble I water and soluble in no-polar solvents

Question 2

Functions of fat in the body

Answer 2

Energy store
Thermal &Electrical insulator
Steroid hormone percursor (including vitamin D)
Bile acid manufacture
Carrier of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Colesterol and phospholipids are main constituents of cell membranes

Question 3

Fats and Health

Answer 3

Major health issues surround role of dietary fats in CHD, obesity and certain cancers.
Human milk provides EFAs to infant

Question 4

SFA and health

Answer 4

High intake of SFA:
Raised blood cholesterol level (LDL), a risk factor for CVD
The guideline recommends:
the overall dietary fat consumption should not be more than 35% of total energy intake
saturated fat should not be more than 10% of total energy intake
DVR for PUFA- 6.5% food energy
DVR for MUFA 13% food energy.