Dietary fats are an important source of energy and essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid), and serve as a medium for fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) absorption, transport, function, and storage. As part of a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, dietary fats support optimal fetal growth and development during pregnancy, and physical growth and cognitive development throughout infancy and childhood. Based on studies demonstrating reduced rates of preterm birth (
