The identification of essential fatty acids by George and Mildred Burr in 1929

The discovery of essential fatty acids (EFAs) by George and Mildred Burr in 1929 was a transformative moment in nutritional science. Before their groundbreaking work, dietary fats were seen primarily as a source of energy, largely interchangeable with carbohydrates. The Burrs’ meticulous research demonstrated otherwise, revealing that certain fatty acids were indispensable for health. Using rats as their model organism, the Burrs conducted a series of controlled experiments that involved feeding