ABSTRACT
The term structured lipids1-4 usually refers to lipids that have a predetermined composition and distribution of fatty acids at the glycerol backbone. In a broader sense, structured triacylglycerol (TAG) means any modified or synthetic oils and fats obtained from transesterification or esterification by chemical or enzymatic means. Structured TAGs constituting certain types of fatty acids at the end positions and different fatty acids at the mid-position of the glycerol backbone have gained increasing attention of scientists as dietary and health supplements. Of particular interest from the human nutritional point of view are structured TAG possessing biologically active long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) located at the mid-position with mediumchain fatty acids (MCFA) at the end positions.5,6 The reason is that the MCFA located at the end positions undergo a rapid hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase, are absorbed into the intestines, and are rapidly carried into the liver where they are consumed as a quick source of energy. The remaining 2-monoacylglycerols (2-MAG), on the other hand, become a source of essential fatty acids after being absorbed through the intestinal wall.7 They are accumulated as TAGs in the adipose tissues or as phospholipids in the cell membranes from where they can be released upon demand for their desired biological functions.
