Which statement best describes essential fatty acids?

• A. They must be supplied exogenously via the diet.
• B. They can be synthesized by the liver from other fatty acids.
• C. They are not required for health.
• D. They are stored in bone tissue.

Answer: (A)

Essential fatty acids are fats the body cannot produce in sufficient amounts, so they must come from the diet. The classic essentials are linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3). These serve as precursors to longer-chain polyunsaturated fats that support cell membranes, vision, and the production of signaling molecules. Because the body cannot synthesize these adequately, they must be supplied exogenously to maintain health.

This is why the statement that they must be supplied via the diet is the best description. The other ideas aren’t correct: the body cannot reliably synthesize these essential fats from other fatty acids, they are indeed required for health, and they are not stored in bone tissue as a primary reservoir.