Very long chain fatty acids are defined as having how many carbons?

• A. 20 carbons and above
• B. 14-18 carbons
• C. 6-12 carbons
• D. 2-4 carbons

Answer: (A)

Very long chain fatty acids are defined as fatty acids with 20 or more carbons. The longer the chain, the more their digestion and metabolism differ from shorter fats: shorter chains are absorbed directly into the portal circulation, while longer ones rely on bile for emulsification and are packaged into chylomicrons for lymphatic transport. VLCFAs especially depend on peroxisomal beta-oxidation to be shortened before mitochondrial oxidation, and defects in this pathway can lead to accumulation of VLCFAs in certain peroxisomal disorders.