Structured Lipids: Importance in Metabolism and Health

This chapter provides an overview of the effects of structured lipids (SLs), with regard to their metabolic fate and potential impact on human health, as these structuring fats are currently used in human nutrition as replacements for trans-fats in foods. It highlights the need for more studies to clarify their impact on human health, as most clinical studies on SLs use lipid intake levels that exceed normal daily consumption and use blends of SLs that are not yet commercially available. It is also noted that regarding the application of SLs in foods, there is no labeling requirement for products containing these structured fats. This is because it is challenging to accurately estimate the total dietary intake of SLs by a population. Therefore, in vitro studies are preferred, as in vivo studies are more complex. Thus, there is a need for more standardized, collaborative multidisciplinary nutritional trials to explore the potential acute and chronic effects of SLs, including dietary interventions, thereby demonstrating their effects on metabolism and human health.