EFFECT OF DIETARY LIPIDS ON CELLULAR-ELEMENTS AND METABOLISM

Lipids can no longer be considered merely carriers of calories; they must also be recognized as pharmacologically active substances. The most important ones are polyunsaturated fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be used specifically as immunomodulators by varying the dietary supply according to both quantitative and qualitative criteria. The actions to be expected depend on the previous nutritional status and the cell's existing degree of activation. Like polyunsaturated fatty acids, short-chain fatty acids must be classified as essential substrates. Their absence is accompanied by organ dysfunctions. Apart from bacterial fermentation in the colon, there are no other ways of synthesis within the body. The maintenance of the intestinal flora and its supply with fermentable carbohydrates must be considered major therapeutic goals during prolonged clinical nutrition. The topical and systemic application of short-chain fatty acids is being discussed as a potential new method of treatment.