EFFECT OF DIETARY LIPIDS ON CELLULAR-ELEMENTS AND METABOLISM

Lipids can no longer be considered merely carriers of calories; they m ust also be recognized as pharmacologically active substances. The mos t important ones are polyunsaturated fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be used specifically as immuno modulators by varying the dietary supply according to both quantitativ e and qualitative criteria. The actions to be expected depend on the p revious nutritional status and the cell's existing degree of activatio n. Like polyunsaturated fatty acids, short-chain fatty acids must be c lassified as essential substrates. Their absence is accompanied by org an dysfunctions. Apart from bacterial fermentation in the colon, there are no other ways of synthesis within the body. The maintenance of th e intestinal flora and its supply with fermentable carbohydrates must be considered major therapeutic goals during prolonged clinical nutrit ion. The topical and systemic application of short-chain fatty acids i s being discussed as a potential new method of treatment.