What is the Difference Between Myristic and Stearic Acid?

Myristic acid and stearic acid are both long-chain saturated fatty acids, but they have different effects on cholesterol levels and are found in different food sources. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Chemical Formula: Myristic acid has the chemical formula CH3(CH2)12.COOH, while stearic acid has the chemical formula C17H35CO2H.
2. Cholesterol Effects: Myristic acid can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, whereas stearic acid can lower LDL cholesterol levels.
3. Food Sources: The main dietary source of stearic acid is animal fat, while myristic acid is found in higher amounts in certain oils and fats, such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
4. Effect on HDL Cholesterol: Intake of myristic acid has been shown to result in a higher increase in postprandial HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) than stearic acid within 24 hours.

In summary, myristic acid and stearic acid are both saturated fatty acids, but they have different effects on cholesterol levels and are found in different food sources. Myristic acid raises LDL cholesterol and has a greater impact on HDL cholesterol, while stearic acid lowers LDL cholesterol.

Comparative Table: Myristic vs Stearic Acid

The main difference between myristic and stearic acid lies in their impact on LDL cholesterol levels. Myristic acid can raise LDL cholesterol, while stearic acid can lower LDL cholesterol levels. Here is a table summarizing the differences between myristic and stearic acid:

Both myristic and stearic acids are saturated fatty acids found in various animal and plant fats and oils. They have different chain lengths, with myristic acid having 14 carbons and stearic acid having 18 carbons.