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Fatty acids

Fatty acids are a group of long-chained carboxylic acids involved in many biological processes. Analysis of fatty acids is useful in evaluating the nutritional intake and intestinal adsorption of lipids. Vitas offer a a wide range of analytical methods for this type of biomarkers.

DSC_6735-Vitas-Analytical-Services.jpg – Vitas Analytical Services

Certain types of fatty acids are called essential fatty acids (EFAs) because the body is unable to synthesize them and they must be acquired in the diet. Fatty acids are vital for many cellular functions and serve vital biological functions such as energy storage and inflammatory responses.

Analysis of fatty acids is useful in evaluating the nutritional intake and intestinal adsorption of fatty acids. The fatty acid profile in blood mirrors the balance between essential omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which can indicate the need for supplementation and/or dietary modification. In addition, the fatty acid profile may be useful in medical/clinical studies in regards to inflammatory conditions, depression, cardiovascular risk, and dietary deficiencies.

We can monitor fatty acid profiles in a vast variety of sample types such as:

  • Blood (serum/plasma, dried blood spots (DBS), erythrocytes)

  • Tissues (liver, intestines, kidney, muscle, nail)

  • Dietary fats (egg, milk, oils).

Vitas has many years of experience in high-throughput fat acid profile analyses from DBS using state-of-the-art chromatographic technology. A typical chromatogram showing the different fatty acids in a DBS sample is shown in the figure below.

A typical chromatogram of a fatty acid profile from dried blood spot (DBS) showing separation of the important fatty acids. – Vitas Analytical Services
A typical chromatogram of a fatty acid profile from dried blood spot (DBS) showing separation of the important fatty acids.

We also offer analysis of Non Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) and specialized analytical services targeting short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Click here to learn more about our SCFA analytical services.