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A fatty acid is a straight chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen and a carboxyl group at the end. It is an acid and can be saturated or unsaturated. Fatty acids are the main component of lipids in plants, animals, and microorganisms. They have various functions and properties, such as being essential for some animals, used in food and cosmetics, and involved in cellular processes. A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain, either saturated or unsaturated. Dietary fat is the fat that comes from food. The body breaks down dietary fats into parts called fatty acids that can enter the bloodstream. The body also can make fatty acids from the carbohydrates in food. The body uses fatty acids to make the fats that it needs. Fats are important for how your body uses many vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, a type of fat your body can't make.
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