Patient was educated on role of fats and lipids in the body as follows:
- Dietary fat acts as a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E, & K and helps with their absorption in the intestines. Deficiency of dietary fats can result in compromised absorption of fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E, & K and thus contribute to deficiency of these vitamins in human body.
- Fats and cholesterol are needed for synthesis of vitamin D in the body. Deficiency of fats and cholesterol can result in compromised synthesis of vitamin D in the body, with resulting deficiency.
- Healthier fats in the body reduce fatty deposition in the blood vessels and contribute to reduced risk for atherosclerosis. Reduced risk for atherosclerosis can result in improved cardiac function with reduced risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Fats are also needed for the synthesis of various chemicals in the body, such as, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These chemicals play an important role in multiple essential bodily functions, such as, pain management, control of inflammation, promotion of wound healing, and prevention of clot formation.
- Fats and cholesterol are needed for synthesis of steroid hormones, such as, cortisol and sex hormones, such as, testosterone and estrogen. Deficiency of fats and cholesterol can result in deficient synthesis of steroid and sex hormones, with resulting compromised sexual function.
