Free fatty acids

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are molecules derived from fats in the body. When we eat fats, they are broken down into FFAs and glycerol for energy use or storage. FFAs circulate in the bloodstream and can be used by cells, especially muscles and the heart, as a primary energy source. Elevated FFAs can be linked to health issues like insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, but they also play important roles in normal metabolism. Essentially, FFAs are the body's way of mobilizing stored fat to meet energy demands.