N.D. All cells throughout the human body are enveloped by membranes composed chiefly of essential fatty acids in the form of phospholipids.
Phospholipids play a major role in determining the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes.
What determines the type of phospholipid in the cell membrane is the type of fat consumed. A phospholipid composed of a saturated fat or trans-fatty acid differs considerably in structure from a phospholipid composed of an essential fatty acid. Food sources particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids include deep water fish and flaxseed oil. It is thought the cell is programmed to selectively incorporate the different fatty acids it needs to maintain optimal function. In actuality, what becomes incorporated into the cell membranes is determined primarily by diet.