What is fatty acid oxidation?

Also known as: FAO, fatty acid oxidation defects panel, FAO defects panel.

Fatty acid oxidation is a basic metabolic process that allows the body to break down stored fat into their building blocks called fatty acids, in order use them for energy. Fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD’s) are a rare group of inherited genetic conditions, each one caused by an abnormal gene, which results in the body not being able to use its fatty acids for energy. When the fatty acids cannot be used they build up in the heart, liver and other organs. Children with FAOD’s may present with drowsiness, vomiting, poor feeding and other signs and symptoms.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM