Physicochemical properties of lipids: new strategies to manage fatty acid bioavailability

Abstract

Fatty acid bioavailability can be managed through the physicochemical properties of lipid such as lipid-droplet size, lipid-droplet ultrastructure (lipids organization between core and surface), structure of triglycerides and of phospholipids. The lipid-droplet size exhibits a major effect on lipase activity during lipid digestion. The lipid-droplet ultrastructure is a dynamic factor controling lipase interaction at the lipid interface via the surface phospholipid layer, and also lipase activity via the proportion of triglyceride molecules able to locate at the surface. Triglyceride structure affects in a strong manner digestion, absorption and fatty acid metabolism. Finally, optimal fatty acid transport to specific tissues is dependent on the vehicle molecule (triglyceride or ethyl ester or phospholipid). All these aspects provide convincing support for the possibility of using biotechnologically remodeled lipids with specific physicochemical properties for health benefits.