What is the Difference Between Cis and Trans Fatty Acids?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between cis and trans fatty acids lies in the geometric arrangement of the hydrogen atoms and their impact on health. Here are the key differences:
- Geometric arrangement: Cis fatty acids have both hydrogen atoms located on the same side of the double bond between two carbon atoms. In contrast, trans fatty acids have the two hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond.
- Occurrence in nature: Cis fatty acids are typical in natural foods, while trans fatty acids
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Cis and Trans Fatty Acids? Comparative Table: Cis vs Trans Fatty Acids
Comparative Table: Cis vs Trans Fatty Acids
The main difference between cis and trans fatty acids lies in the arrangement of hydrogen atoms in the molecule and their health effects. Here is a comparison table of cis and trans fatty acids:
Property | Cis Fatty Acids | Trans Fatty Acids |
---|---|---|
Health Effect | Generally good for health unless consumed in unreasonably high quantities. | Detrimental — lowers good cholesterol and increases the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Harmful to heart health could cause cardiac death. |
Occurrence | Naturally occurring in plant-based oils and animal products. | While some natural trans fats occur in meat and dairy products, the majority come from processed foods (i.e., hydrogenated oils). |
Atomic Arrangement | Hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the double bonds, causing the molecule to bend. | Hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bonds. |
Melting Point | Lower melting points, such as 13.4 °C for oleic acid. | Higher melting points, such as 45 °C for elaidic acid. |
Cis fatty acids are beneficial and can promote good cholesterol, while trans fats are considered harmful to health. The arrangement of atoms in cis and trans fatty acids affects their physical properties, such as melting points.
Read more:
- Cis vs Trans Fat
- Trans Fat vs Saturated Fat
- Fatty Acids vs Triglycerides
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Fatty Acids
- Omega 3 vs Omega 6 Fatty Acids
- Cis vs Trans Isomers
- Glycerol vs Fatty Acids
- Cis vs Trans Cyclohexane
- Monounsaturated vs Polyunsaturated Fats
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Fats
- Fatty Acid vs Amino Acid
- Fat vs Saturated Fat
- Fat vs Cholesterol
- Acyl vs Acetyl
- Acetyl CoA vs Acyl CoA
- Saturated vs Unsaturated Triglycerides
- Hydrogenated vs Partially Hydrogenated Oil
- Linoleic Acid vs Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Lipids vs Fats