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Related Concept Videos

Structure of Lipids03:38

Structure of Lipids

102.2K
Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic...
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Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

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Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ...
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Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body01:31

Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

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Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various  biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
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Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

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Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
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Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism01:28

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism

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Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
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What are Lipids?01:38

What are Lipids?

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Overview
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
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Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

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Polyunsaturated fatty acids and fetal brain development.

Gideon Koren

    Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
    |March 11, 2015
    PubMed
    Summary

    Prenatal vitamins with omega-3 fatty acids do not improve fetal brain development. Evidence-based science and long-term studies do not support these claims, making them misleading for pregnant women.

    Area of Science:

    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Nutritional Science
    • Developmental Pediatrics

    Background:

    • Manufacturers are adding omega-3 fatty acids to prenatal vitamins.
    • Claims suggest these supplements support fetal cognitive health and brain function.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the scientific evidence supporting claims that omega-3 fatty acids in prenatal vitamins enhance fetal cognitive health and brain development.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing scientific literature and long-term studies on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy.

    Main Results:

    • Current evidence-based science does not support the claims.
    • Long-term studies have failed to demonstrate improved fetal brain or eye development.

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    Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
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    Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
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    Dietary Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Caenorhabditis elegans
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    Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
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    Conclusions:

    • The assertion that polyunsaturated fatty acids improve fetal brain and eye development is not scientifically supported.
    • Marketing prenatal vitamins with omega-3s for enhanced fetal brain development is unwarranted and potentially misleading.
    • Regulatory bodies like Health Canada should address inconsistencies in statements regarding omega-3 fatty acids.