Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Question 1

What enzyme do cats lack, that makes them unable to elongate linoleic acid?

Answer 1

delta 6 desaturase.

Question 2

Because cats can’t elongate linoleic acid, what fatty acid must be present in their diet?

Answer 2

arachidonic acid.

Question 3

What fatty acid is required to produce ceramides? What animals require ceramides?

Answer 3

linoleic acid. All mammals require it.

Question 4

This PUFA is rquired by dogs, NOT cats.

Answer 4

alpha-linolenic acid

Question 5

What is arachidonic acid used for? Do dogs require this as well?

Answer 5

Needed for inflammation, the immune system, and cell membranes (makes 20-25% of total FA of cell membranes). Dogs do not require this.

Question 6

If you start administering eicosapentaenoic acid, how long until you see the benefits?

Answer 6

12-14 WEEKS.

Question 7

What are some clinical signs of essential fatty acid deficiency?

Answer 7

poor growth and weight gain, cutaneous changes, infertility and poor wound healing.

Question 8

What are the 2 most important series of PUFA?

Answer 8

n-3 and n-6