" The fatty acids known to be essential for complete human nutrition are:
A. Linoleic acid
B. Alpha-linolenic
C. Sterols
D. Docosahexaenoic Acid
E. Transfatty Acid
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Essential fatty acids are those that the human body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through the diet. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining overall health, particularly in cell membrane function, brain development, and inflammation regulation. The three essential fatty acids in human nutrition are:
1. Linoleic Acid (LA): An omega-6 fatty acid, essential for cell structure and function, and important in regulating inflammatory processes.
2. Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): An omega-3 fatty acid that is crucial for heart health and brain function. The body can partially convert ALA into more biologically active omega-3s like EPA and DHA.
3. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Although DHA can be synthesized in small amounts from ALA, it is beneficial to obtain DHA directly from dietary sources like fish oil or supplements. DHA is vital for brain and eye development and function​​.
Information Booster:
· Linoleic Acid (LA) and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) are considered essential fatty acids because the human body cannot produce them. These fatty acids must be obtained through dietary sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
· DHA is particularly important during pregnancy and infancy for brain development, although it is not classified as an "essential" fatty acid in the same way as LA and ALA because the body can synthesize it from ALA to some extent​​.
Additional Knowledge:
· Sterols (C): These are not fatty acids but rather compounds like cholesterol, which is important for cell membranes and hormone production.
· Transfatty Acids (E): These are unhealthy fats often produced during food processing. They are not essential and are associated with negative health effects, such as increasing the risk of heart disease.