NANP Board Practice Exam 2026 - Free NANP Board Practice Questions and Study Guide

Fatty acids with 16 or more carbons are classified as long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). This classification is based on the carbon chain length of the fatty acids, where long-chain fatty acids are those that contain 12 to 22 carbon atoms. LCFAs play essential roles in energy provision, cellular structure, and hormonal functions within the body.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) typically consist of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are defined as having fewer than 6 carbon atoms. Very short-chain fatty acids (VSCFA) have an even shorter chain length, generally consisting of 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Thus, the classification for fatty acids with longer carbon chains is distinctly identified as LCFA, highlighting their unique metabolic pathways and physiological impacts in comparison to shorter-chain varieties.