Palmitic acid

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Palmitic acid is a common saturated fatty acid found in fats and waxes, including olive oil, palm oil, and body lipids. It is the first fatty acid produced during fatty acid synthesis and is the precursor to longer fatty acids. As a consequence, palmitic acid is a major body component of animals.

Structure and properties[edit | edit source]

Palmitic acid is a carboxylic acid with the formula CH3(CH2)14COOH. It is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature, melting at 63.1 degrees Celsius and boiling at 351.5 degrees Celsius. It is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

Occurrence[edit | edit source]

Palmitic acid is the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. It is abundant in palm oil, from which it gets its name, and olive oil, meat, cheese, butter, and other dairy products.

Biosynthesis[edit | edit source]

In biology, some species synthesize palmitic acid in lipid metabolism via fatty acid synthesis at the cytosol by the enzyme fatty acid synthase. Palmitic acid is the first fatty acid produced during this process and is the precursor to longer fatty acids.

Health effects[edit | edit source]

High levels of palmitic acid have been linked to cardiovascular disease. However, there is evidence that the negative effects of palmitic acid may be mitigated when it is combined with a diet high in fiber and potassium.

See also[edit | edit source]

Palmitic acid Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD