Question

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and its Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) provide recommended dietary intakes for various nutrients, including fats like linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which are essential fatty acids.

Answer 1

Essential fatty acids, specifically linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, are vital nutrients that must be ingested as they are not synthesized by the human body. They are fundamental for normal growth, development, and healthy physiological functions, with recommended daily intake of about 4-6 grams.

Step-by-step explanation:

Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are polyunsaturated fatty acids classified as essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Therefore, they must be obtained through one's diet. These nutrients play critical roles in normal growth and development, and they are necessary for the synthesis of important compounds such as prostaglandins and for the transport and metabolism of cholesterol.

While the average American diet typically contains sufficient omega-6 fatty acids due to the prevalence of corn and soybean oils, alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) is less common and should be consciously included through foods like nuts, flaxseed, whole grains, legumes, and green leafy vegetables. A balanced diet should supply approximately 4-6 grams of these essential fatty acids daily.

Answer 2

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and its Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) play a pivotal role in establishing recommended dietary intakes, including essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The IOM, a part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, collaborates with its Food and Nutrition Board to set dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for essential nutrients. Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid fall under the category of essential fatty acids, meaning the body cannot produce them independently and must obtain them through dietary sources.

These fatty acids play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including the structure and function of cell membranes and the synthesis of important molecules. The establishment of recommended intakes by the IOM and FNB helps guide public health policies and informs individuals about the dietary requirements necessary for maintaining optimal health.