Stearic acid (systematic name, octadecanoic acid, CH3 (CH2) 16COOH) is a long-chain fatty acid consisting of 18 carbon atoms without double bonds. It is classified as a saturated fatty acid (SFA), both biochemically, and for purposes of food labeling and dietary recommendations.
Also known as n-octade- canoic acid, stearic acid is used in the preparation of metallic stearates, as a lubricant, and in pharmaceuticals.
In nature stearic acid occurs primarily as a mixed triglyceride, or fat, with other long-chain acids and as an ester of a fatty alcohol.
Stearic acid, as a percent of total fat calories, is fairly constant in beef, pork, lamb and veal at approximately 9% to 12%, with poultry lower at approximately 6% to 7%. Common cooking oils contain relatively small amounts of stearic acid, 2% to 4%, although hydrogenation of vegetable oils for the production of shortening and margarine can increase the concentration.
Stearic acid is mainly used in the production of detergents, soaps, and cosmetics such as shampoos and shaving cream products.
Stearic acid has been used in the development of a drug delivery system, because it is considered to be inert, inexpensive, and biocompatible, as well as of a low toxicity. In addition, stearic acid has been used for a cyclosporine-A drug carrier system, and for masking the bitter taste of pharmaceutical compounds.
Saturated fatty acid: Stearic acid
The primary goal of food is to promote our health and general well-being. Food science entails comprehending the characteristics, composition, and behaviors of food constituents in different situations, such as storage, handling, and consumption.
June 1, 2018
The Most Popular Posts
-
Crude fiber is a measure of the quantity of indigestible cellulose, pentosans, lignin, and other components of this type in present foods. ...
-
Of the many foods obtained from the land, humans tend to prefer animal foods, mainly beef, pork, poultry and mutton as well as their by-pr...
-
Crude fat is the term used to refer to the crude mixture of fat-soluble material present in a sample. Crude fat also known as the ether ext...
-
Ash or mineral content is the portion of the food or any organic material that remains after it is burned at very high temperatures. The a...
-
Gelatinization occurs when starch granules are heated in a liquid. It is responsible for the thickening of food systems. The process is an i...
-
-
-
Most American today are overfed yet undernourished, which eventually leads to obesity and poor health. The answer to those pervasive problem is simply to ...