Fatty-acyl-CoA synthase
Fatty acids are key components of a cell, therefore, the regulation or inhibition of fatty acid synthesis hold severe consequences for cellular function. The malfunction of the fatty acid synthesis pathway can result in cancer and obesity. However, the significance of fatty acid synthesis also make the fatty acid synthesis pathway a potential target for the search and study of anticancer and antibiotic drugs. It has been found that in humans, fatty acid synthase, is overly expressed in cancer cells. Therefore, FAS, which has been associated only with energy production prior, is now associated with aggressive tumor growth and survival. Studies have also found that human fatty acid synthase is overly expressed in prostate cancer cells.
Essential fatty acid
Reference intake values for as published by the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
In the United States, the recommendations for omega-3 fatty acids covers ALA, EPA and DHA, and for adults the values are 1.6 g/day for men and 1.1. g/day for women. The recommendation for omega-6 fatty acids is for linoleic acid: 17 g/day for younger men, dropping to 14 g/day for older men; for women 12 and 11 g/day.