Free fatty acids

Free fatty acids (NEFA) are lipids bound to albumin, which transports them to target tissues, where they constitute energy material. They are released primarily from adipose tissue. The NEFA blood test is mainly used to monitor diabetes, in people with endocrinopathies to assess the metabolic status and in the suspicion of pheochromocytoma or tumors secreting glucagon, TSH or ACTH. Increased NEFA concentration in the blood occurs in people addicted to alcohol or cigarettes, taking acetylsalicylic acid, obese people, as well as in cases of heart attack, long-term fasting and hyperthyroidism. Reduced NEFA concentration in the blood may be the result of long-term parenteral nutrition, zinc deficiency, malabsorption syndrome or cystic fibrosis.