Types of Fat

Fat is organized into two subgroups: saturated fat, and unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fat
is further classified as monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and trans-fat. These
different classifications determine the effects of these fats on an organism, and the
roles that they have in metabolism.

Saturated Fat

Saturated fat, or animal fat, is composed of a glycerol backbone with three fully
saturated fatty acids attached. Saturated refers to all the carbons in the backbone being
sp3hybridized, with two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded per carbon. This class of
fats have higher viscosity and energy content than their unsaturated cousins. Due to
poor solubility issues, this is the type of fat that is most commonly associated
with heart disease.

Unsaturated Fat

Unsaturated fat, or vegetable fat, is composed of a glycerol backbone with three fatty
acid chains where there is at least one sp2 hybridized carbon. This forms a double bond
somewhere in the chain. Monounsaturated fats have one double bond in the chain,
while polyunsaturated fats have two or more.

Naturally occurring unsaturated fats, since they are produced by enzymes, have specific
stereochemistry. Natural fats always show the cis conformation, which has a higher
solubility in water, and is easily broken down by the metabolic machinery. Artificially
produced fats, since they are produced using organic synthesis techniques, contain a
racemic mixture of trans and cis bonds. Trans fats are less soluble – like saturated fats.
However, they are not readily metabolized by cellular machinery.
Types of Unsaturation:
The unsaturated fats are classified by the position of the unsaturation. This designation
is denoted by the ω symbol, then the number of carbon with the unsaturation. For
example, ω-3 fats have an unsaturation at the third carbon position. Ω-3,7
polyunsaturated fats have an unsaturation at the third and seventh carbon position. The
position of the unsaturation determines the metabolic pathway that the fat will follow.

Examples of Fat

Saturated Fat

Examples of saturated fat include animal fat found on beef, pork, and chicken. Since
these types of fats are also called “animal fats”, they are primarily found in animals.
Saturated fat measurements are used in medical diagnostic tests as inverse indicators
of a healthy lifestyle.

Unsaturated Fats

Monounsaturated fats are often referred to as “good” fats. They make up the oils and
fats found in avocados and olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are found in canola oil and
other less viscous plant oils.

Trans Fats

Trans fats are chemically produced fats. They are generally considered to be unhealthy,
and are found in mass produced oil found in processed and fried foods. Trans fats have
a controversial history. They have even been banned for consumer use in some
countries.