Dietary Fatty Acids and Metabolic Health

This Reprint explores the multifaceted role of dietary fatty acids in metabolic health and disease through diverse research approaches. Fatty acids are fundamental to human physiology, acting as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules. The consequences of changes in fatty acid metabolism for metabolic syndrome and associated disorders-including obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease-are substantial.The collection provides an overview of how high-fat diets influence gut microbiota composition and metabolic functions, with particular emphasis on their role in obesity and hepatic disorders. It also examines the impact of maternal high-fat diet exposure on offspring health and neurodevelopment. Moreover, the roles of saturated, trans, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in cardiovascular risk are analyzed, highlighting their potential to exert both detrimental and protective effects. In addition, the effects of dietary interventions-such as reducing saturated fat intake or improving adherence to healthy eating patterns-on lipid profiles and cardiometabolic risk are discussed. By integrating original research and reviews, this reprint offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between dietary fatty acids and metabolic health.