Science glossary film: Fatty acid

Naturally occurring carboxylic acids with long, unbranched hydrocarbon chains. Fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are important in the diet. But fatty acids also form the building blocks of fats. Three fatty acid chains, linked to a glycerol head, form a molecule called a triglyceride – the main fat molecule in both vegetable oil and animal fats.

Fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are important in the diet. But fatty acids also form the building blocks of fats. Three fatty acid chains, linked to a glycerol head, form a molecule called a triglyceride – the main fat molecule in both vegetable oil and animal fats.