Glyceride Structure and Biosynthesis of Natural Fats

Part II. Positional Distribution of Fatty Acids in the Glycerides of Animal and Vegetable Fats

Abstract

The distribution of fatty acids in the triglycerides of animal and vegetable fats was investigated, using an improved method of hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase. All individual saturated acids in vegetable fats occupied exclusively the outside positions of glycerol molecule except lauric acid in coconut oil, whereas unsaturated acids predominantly located at the 2 position. In animal fats, a partial pattern of distribution depending on the carbon-chain length of fatty acids was observed, in which lower acid showed a higher concentration at the 2 position and higher acids at the outside positions except some unsaturated fatty acids.