13 - Production of structured lipids with functional health benefits

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights that structured lipids (SL) are broadly referred to as modified or synthetic oils and fats with functional or pharmaceutical applications. Some structured lipids are triglycerides that contain both long chain fatty acids and medium or short chain fatty acids, with each group in specific locations. A number of processed oils or fats are labelled as structured lipids and exploit the chain length and saturation of fatty acids for functional or nutritional considerations, without regard to the locations of the fatty acids. Structured lipids can be produced in different ways, depending on the type. Diacylglycerol (DAG) oil has been on the market for many years and intensive research is still improving our understanding of its production and uses. Industrial enzymatic production of DAG oil is claimed, but a mature processing technology using enzymes, on the other hand, has not been developed. The central issues are lowering costs and further improving production efficiency. Enzyme technology for developing functional lipid products will remain an area of interest for some years to come. The demand for better quality functional lipids is increasing. Continued improvement of enzymes in terms of cost and properties is likely to facilitate the application of enzyme processes in the industry.