September 16, 2006: Don Webster

“Fatty Acids: What’s in a name”

Fats and oils play such an important role in cholesterol control, cardio-vascular health and other health related matters that a better understanding can be a benefit to all.  Simple chemical diagrams can give a better understanding of the fats and oils we eat in our everyday foods.  Oft times there are several names for the same identical fatty acid.  These names are often used interchangeably in reporting nutritional information and product advertising.  These same diagrams can lead to a better understanding of “essential fatty acids.”  They also will show the difference in structure of trans fats and other fatty acids found in certain foods and supplements.  Composition tables will compare the difference and similarities of the most common fats and oils that we consume.

Donald A. Webster has a BS degree in Chemistry, Upsala College, East Orange, NJ. He has worked in Marketing, Product Development and Management positions in petrochemicals and petroleum industries,  with a specialty in oil based alkyd paints and printing ink coatings which use linseed (flax), soybean and other oils and fatty acids.
 (powerpoint)