saturated fatty acid

saturated fatty acid

n.

A fatty acid, such as stearic acid, whose carbon chain contains no unsaturated linkages between carbon atoms and hence cannot incorporate any more hydrogen atoms.

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saturated fatty acid,

a fatty acid in which all of the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain are joined by single bonds. They exist mostly as components of fats (triglycerides) or other lipids of animal origin. Foods rich in saturated fatty acids include beef, lamb, pork, veal, whole-milk products, butter, most cheeses, and a few plant products such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, and palm oil. Ordinary oleomargarine and hydrogenated shortenings also contain saturated fatty acids. A diet high in saturated fatty acids may contribute to a high serum cholesterol level and appears to be associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease in some populations. Compare unsaturated fatty acid.

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saturated fatty acid,

n any of a number of glyceryl esters of certain organic acids in which all atoms are joined by single bonds. These fats are chiefly of animal origin but include cocoa butter, coconut oil, and palm oil.

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saturated fatty acid

Nutrition An animal fats–eg, butter, margarine, meat and dairy fats are rich in SFAs–eg, stearic acid; ↑ consumption of SFAs is linked to CAD. See Fatty acid; Cf Unsaturated fatty acid.