Editing Essential fatty acid (section)

==Functions==
{{For|the biological effects of the ω−3 and ω−6 fatty acids which are mediated by their mutual interactions|Essential fatty acid interactions}}
In the body, essential fatty acids serve multiple functions. In each of these, the balance between dietary ω−3 and ω−6 strongly affects function.
* They are modified to make
** the classic [[eicosanoid]]s (affecting [[inflammation]] and many other cellular functions)
** the [[Cannabinoid#Endocannabinoids|endocannabinoids]] (affecting mood, behavior and inflammation)
** the [[lipoxin]]s which are a group of eicosanoid derivatives formed via the lipoxygenase pathway from ω−6 EFAs and [[resolvins]] from ω−3 (in the presence of acetylsalicylic acid, downregulating inflammation)
** the [[isofuran]]s, [[neurofuran]]s, [[isoprostane]]s, [[hepoxilin]]s, [[epoxyeicosatrienoic acid]]s (EETs) and [[Neuroprotectin|neuroprotectin D]]
* They form [[lipid raft]]s (affecting cellular signaling)<ref name="WStillwell">{{cite journal |vauthors=Stillwell W, Shaikh SR, Zerouga M, Siddiqui R, Wassall SR |title=Docosahexaenoic acid affects cell signaling by altering lipid rafts |journal=Reproduction, Nutrition, Development |volume=45 |issue=5 |pages=559–79 |year=2005 |pmid=16188208 |doi=10.1051/rnd:2005046|url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00900583/document |doi-access=free }}</ref>
* They act on DNA (activating or inhibiting transcription factors such as [[NF-κB]], which is linked to pro-inflammatory [[cytokine]] production)<ref name="PCalder">{{cite journal |author=Calder PC |title=n-3 fatty acids, inflammation, and immunity--relevance to postsurgical and critically ill patients |journal=Lipids |volume=39 |issue=12 |pages=1147–61 |date=December 2004 |pmid=15736910 |doi=10.1007/s11745-004-1342-z|pmc=7101959 }}</ref>