Saturated Fat: Metabolism, Nutrition and Health Impact

About this Research Topic

Background

Chemically, saturated fatty acids can be differentiated by chain length, in particular, as short-chain (C4:0), medium-chain (C6:0 to C12:0), long-chain (C14:0 to C18:0), and very-long-chain (C20:0, C22:0). Saturated fats, whether grouped by chain length or considered individually, have different metabolic properties and nutritional and health impacts. The fatty acid composition and the relative proportion of medium- and long-chain saturated fatty acids vary substantially among specific plant oils, animal fats, and milk fats.

The current paradigm describes saturated fat as follows: 1. all animal fats are saturated fat; 2. saturated fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease; 3. saturated fat should be limited to 8-10% of total calories and be replaced by unsaturated fat, and 4. saturated fat is as harmful as trans-fat. Recent research has revealed some important properties of particular saturated fatty acids, for example, the ketogenic properties of caprylic acid (C8:0), the antibacterial and antiviral properties of lauric acid (C12:0), and cell signaling properties of myristic acid (C14:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0).

The goal of this Research Topic is to provide the latest science regarding saturated fat, including its metabolic, nutritional, and health impacts. The collection will cover both individual saturated fatty acids, as well as fats and oils which contain saturated fatty acids in abundance. We would like to provide a deeper understanding of types of saturated fatty acids, such as ketogenic fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids, and long-chain fatty acids. A holistic discussion of their metabolic, nutritional, and health impacts is needed, such as their impact on cardiovascular conditions, cancer, inflammatory disease, obesity, and diabetes. Papers on vegetable oils and animal fats which are classified as saturated, such as coconut oil, palm oil, milk, and other animal fats, are also welcome. These fats and oils are generally discouraged by many medical and nutrition groups because of their saturated fat content. However, because a large number of people consume these fats and oils, it is important that their health impact be clarified.

Authors can submit original research and analytical review articles on topics including but not limited to the following:
1. Metabolism of saturated fatty acids of various chain lengths
2. Classification of saturated fatty acids according to their metabolism, nutritional properties, or health impact
3. Special properties of certain fatty acids
4. Role of saturated fat in obesity, inflammation, heart disease, neurological conditions, oral health, dermatologic diseases, effect on the gut microbiome, and others.
5. Role of saturated fat in veterinary nutrition and diseases.
6. MCT oils and tailored fats which use MCFA
7. Although this volume is not intended to cover unsaturated fat, it is of interest to find out what constitutes a healthy balance of saturated and unsaturated fat.

Disclosures: MTN is a formulator of coconut oil/MCT oil product with royalties, promoter, specialist, Pruvit Ventures. Advisor, Nisshin OilliO Group, Tokyo, Japan, an edible oil company that produces MCT and coconut oil. Advisor, image representative, Hainan Mei Ye Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Hainan, China, a company that produces coconut oil.

Keywords: saturated fat, medium chain fatty acid, long chain fatty acid, metabolism, health impact, cardiovascular disease, obesity, neurodegeneration

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