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Saturated Fat

Fatty Acid Unit: g

Type of fat that can raise LDL cholesterol. Found mainly in animal products and tropical oils.

No established daily requirement for this nutrient.

Top Foods Highest in Saturated Fat

Amount per 100g serving. Values in g per 100g.

Foods Highest in Saturated Fat (Table)

#FoodPer 100gGroup
1Fish oil, menhaden, fully hydrogenated95.6 gFats and Oils
2Oil, industrial, soy, fully hydrogenated94.0 gFats and Oils
3Oil, industrial, palm kernel (hydrogenated), confection fat,93.7 gFats and Oils
4Oil, industrial, cottonseed, fully hydrogenated93.6 gFats and Oils
5Oil, industrial, coconut (hydrogenated), used for whipped to93.5 gFats and Oils
6Oil, industrial, palm kernel (hydrogenated), confection fat,92.6 gFats and Oils
7Shortening confectionery, coconut (hydrogenated) and or palm91.3 gFats and Oils
8Oil, nutmeg butter90.0 gFats and Oils
9Oil, industrial, palm kernel (hydrogenated) , used for whipp89.0 gFats and Oils
10Oil, industrial, palm kernel (hydrogenated), filling fat88.2 gFats and Oils
11Oil, industrial, palm kernel, confection fat, uses similar t87.6 gFats and Oils
12Oil, industrial, coconut, confection fat, typical basis for 86.5 gFats and Oils
13Oil, industrial, coconut, principal uses candy coatings, oil86.0 gFats and Oils
14Oil, ucuhuba butter85.2 gFats and Oils
15Oil, coconut82.5 gFats and Oils
16Vegetable oil, palm kernel81.5 gFats and Oils
17Oil, babassu81.2 gFats and Oils
18Oil, industrial, palm and palm kernel, filling fat (non-hydr71.4 gFats and Oils
19Shortening, confectionery, fractionated palm65.5 gFats and Oils
20Butter oil, anhydrous61.9 gDairy and Egg Products

Health Effects of Saturated Fat

Function

Saturated fat is a structural component of cell membranes and is used for energy. It raises LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Deficiency Signs

No saturated fat deficiency exists. The body synthesizes saturated fatty acids endogenously.

Excess / Toxicity

High saturated fat intake is consistently associated with elevated LDL cholesterol and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to <10% of total calories.

Absorption & Interactions

How It’s Absorbed

Absorbed efficiently (>95%) in the small intestine. Short and medium-chain saturated fats are absorbed directly into the portal vein; long-chain saturated fats require chylomicron transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Saturated Fat do I need per day?

There is no established daily requirement for Saturated Fat.

Which food has the most Saturated Fat?

The food highest in Saturated Fat is Fish oil, menhaden, fully hydrogenated with 95.6 g per 100g.

What does Saturated Fat do in the body?

Type of fat that can raise LDL cholesterol. Found mainly in animal products and tropical oils.