saturated fatty acid
Noun A type of fatty acid in which all carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain are connected by single bonds. This chemical structure means the chain is "saturated" with hydrogen atoms; it cannot incorporate any more. These acids are typically solid at room temperature and are predominantly found in animal fats and some tropical oils.
The term is used in nutritional, biochemical, and general health contexts to describe a specific class of dietary fats. * A diet high in saturated fatty acid is often linked to increased cholesterol levels. * Butyric acid, found in butter, is a short-chain saturated fatty acid. * Nutritionists advise limiting the intake of saturated fatty acid.
- Chemical Saturation: In organic chemistry, the term "saturated" specifically describes a molecule containing only single bonds between carbon atoms, leaving no capacity for additional hydrogen. A saturated fatty acid exemplifies this principle.
- Contrast with Unsaturated: The defining property of a saturated fatty acid is its lack of carbon-carbon double bonds, which distinguishes it from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Saturated Fat (n): A fat (triglyceride) that contains a high proportion of saturated fatty acids. (e.g., The coconut oil is high in saturated fat.)
- Unsaturated Fatty Acid (n): A fatty acid whose carbon chain contains one or more double bonds and can absorb more hydrogen atoms.
- Saturated fat (when referring to the triglyceride form)
- There are no perfect common-language synonyms; specific examples include stearic acid, palmitic acid, and lauric acid.
- Hydrogenation: The industrial process that adds hydrogen to unsaturated fatty acids to make them more saturated, often creating trans fats.
- Lipid Profile: A blood test that measures, among other things, the effects of dietary saturated fatty acid intake.
The primary meaning is strictly biochemical. While closely associated with "saturated fat" in everyday language, a saturated fatty acid is the specific molecular building block, whereas "saturated fat" is the dietary lipid composed of such acids.
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a fatty acid whose carbon chain cannot absorb any more hydrogen atoms; found chiefly in animal fats
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