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Free Fatty Acids

Meaning

Free Fatty Acids (FFAs), also known as non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), are circulating lipid molecules that exist unbound to glycerol, representing the readily available fuel source for cellular energy production. These molecules are crucial metabolic substrates, taken up by tissues like muscle and liver for beta-oxidation and ATP generation. Clinically, elevated basal levels of FFAs are frequently observed in states of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, serving as a key biochemical link between adipose tissue dysregulation and systemic hormonal impairment. They are routinely analyzed in blood work to assess an individual’s underlying metabolic health.