Lipids and Fats in Nutrition and Dental Health: Types, Functions, and Disease Links

Lipids

A group of organic molecules that are nonpolar, composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen.

Main Roles of Lipids

Energy storage, cell structure, and chemical signaling.

Major Types of Lipids

Triglycerides, Phospholipids, Steroids, and Waxes.

Functions of Lipids

Energy storage, structural components, chemical messengers, protection and insulation, and vitamin absorption.

Classifications of Lipids

1. Simple Lipids 2. Compound Lipids / Complex Lipids 3. Derived Lipids 4. Steroids and Sterols.

Simple Lipids

Basic esters of fatty acids with alcohols, mainly functioning as a source of stored energy.

Examples of Simple Lipids

Triglycerides and Waxes.

Compound / Complex Lipids

Lipids that contain additional elements, such as phosphorus, nitrogen, or sugars, along with fatty acids and alcohol.

Types of Compound Lipids

Phospholipids, Glycolipids, and Lipoproteins.

Derived Lipids

Substances obtained from the breakdown of simple or compound lipids, important for producing hormones and maintaining cell structure.

Examples of Derived Lipids

Fatty acids, Glycerol, Steroids, and Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Steroids

Serve as hormones, signaling molecules, and components of cell membranes.

Sterols

Special steroids with an alcohol group that help stabilize cell membranes and serve as building blocks for hormones.

Examples of Sterols

Cholesterol and Bile salts.

Classifications of Fats Based on Saturation

1. Saturated Fats 2. Unsaturated Fats 3. Trans Fats.

Saturated Fats

Have no double bonds in their fatty acid chains and are solid at room temperature (e.g., Butter).

Unsaturated Fats

Have one or more double bonds, usually liquid at room temperature (e.g., Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils).

Monounsaturated Fats

Contain one double bond (e.g., olive oil).

Polyunsaturated Fats

Contain multiple double bonds (e.g., sunflower oil).

Trans Fats

Artificially produced fats found in some processed and fried foods, considered unhealthy.

Animal Fats

Come from meat, dairy, and fish, and tend to be high in saturated fat.

Plant Fats

Found in seeds, nuts, and fruits like avocado, mostly unsaturated and considered healthier.

Main Sources of Lipids and Fats

Animal Sources, Plant Sources, and Processed Sources.

Animal Sources of Lipids

Meat & poultry, Dairy products, Egg yolk, and Fatty fish.

Plant Sources of Lipids

Vegetable oils, Nuts, Seeds, Avocado, and Soy products.

Processed Sources of Lipids

Margarine, shortening, baked goods, and fried foods.

Healthy Processed Sources

Fish (salmon, sardines), Nuts and seeds, Avocado, and Olive oil.

Unhealthy Processed Sources

Fatty cuts of red meat, Excess butter, and Food with trans fat (processed snacks, margarine).

Metabolism

The sum total of all biochemical reactions that occur within a living organism to sustain life.

Purpose of Metabolism

Converting food into energy, building and repairing tissues, and eliminating waste.

Catabolism

Breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones

Catabolism Example

Glycolysis, β-oxidation

Anabolism

Builds complex molecules from simpler ones

Anabolism Example

Lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis

Function of Metabolism

Energy Production: Converts nutrients to ATP

Factors Affecting Metabolism

Genetics: Determines metabolic rate and efficiency

Metabolism and Dental Health

Saliva Production & Composition: Metabolism controls salivary gland activity

Glucose Metabolism & Oral Bacteria

High sugar intake → rapid metabolism by oral bacteria

Calcium & Phosphate Metabolism

Essential for enamel and dentin formation

Bone Metabolism & Periodontal Health

Alveolar bone relies on healthy metabolism for remodeling

Systemic Metabolic Disorders Affecting Oral Health

Diabetes: Delayed wound healing, increased risk of infections

Cardiovascular Disease

Caused by plaque build-up in arteries (atherosclerosis)

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Fat buildup in liver cells

Gallstone

Hardened deposits in gallbladder

Type 2 Diabetes

Body resists insulin

Obesity

Excess stored fat