Myristic acid is a medium chain fatty acid (=MCFA). It is present in palm kernel oil, coconut oil, butterfat, milk and to some extent in animal fats.
Various studies have shown that myristic acid was the saturated fatty acid most strongly related to the average serum cholesterol concentrations [L]. Hence, myristic acid is positively correlated with higher cholesterol levels as well as raising triglycerides in plasma and increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease (=CVD).
References:
– Effects of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), myristic acid, and oleic acid on serum lipoproteins in healthy subjects. [L]
– Effects of dietary fatty acids and carbohydrates on the ratio of serum total to HDL cholesterol and on serum lipids and apolipoproteins: a meta-analysis of 60 controlled trials. [L]
– Impact of myristic acid versus palmitic acid on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in healthy women and men. [L]
– Saturated Fats: A Perspective from Lactation and Milk Composition [L]
Myristic Acid
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