Tag: C18 0

Yes, its chemical name, octadecanoic acid, directly confirms that stearic acid has 18 carbons. This long-chain saturated fatty acid is a fundamental building block in the fats and oils found in both animals and plants, with a structure that dictates its solid state at room temperature.

By definition, a fatty acid is considered saturated if it has no double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain. This makes C18:0, also known as stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid with a straight, 18-carbon chain. This fundamental characteristic dictates its physical properties and biological function.

According to extensive research, stearic acid (C18:0) is one of the most abundant saturated fatty acids found in cheese. This may surprise many who assume all saturated fats in dairy are identical, but the truth is more nuanced, as stearic acid behaves uniquely in the body. Navigating the composition of dairy fat is key to understanding its nutritional impact.