Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What are fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body called?

1. Non-essential fatty acids

2. Essential fatty acids

3. Trans fatty acids

4. Saturated fatty acids

The correct answer is: Essential fatty acids

Fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body are referred to as essential fatty acids. These are crucial for various bodily functions but must be obtained through diet because the human body lacks the necessary enzymes to produce them. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which play significant roles in inflammation regulation, brain health, and cell membrane structure. Non-essential fatty acids, on the other hand, can be synthesized by the body and therefore do not need to be obtained from food sources. Trans fatty acids refer to a specific type of unsaturated fat that has been hydrogenated, leading to increased shelf life and stability in processed foods, but they are not classified based on whether the body can synthesize them. Saturated fatty acids are a category of fat found in various animal and plant sources; they are not essential because the body can create them when needed.