Nonesterified fatty acids (FA) normally bind to intracellular binding sites. Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) produced by the reaction of fatty acids with alcohol (EtOH) can attach to mitochondria within the cell and can cause cellular dysfunction.

Source: Bora, P.S., and Lange, L.G. Fatty ethyl esters and heart disease. Alcohol Health and Research World 14(4):285–288, 1990.

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Prepared: February 2001