Identification and Quantification of Triacylglycerols Using Ultraperformance Supercritical Fluid Chromatography and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: Comparison of Human Milk, Infant Formula, Other Mammalian Milk, and Plant Oil

Lipid analysis of breast milk and formula for preterm infants and the application and prospects of novel structural lipids - a comprehensive review

Preterm infants, often characterized by lower birth weights and underdeveloped physiologies, necessitate specialized nutritional care. While breast milk stands as the ideal nutritional source, offering substantial energy through its fatty acid content to support the infants' growth and developmental needs, its usage might not always be feasible. Fatty acids in breast milk are critical for the development of these infants. In scenarios where breast milk is not an option, formula feeding becomes a necessary alternative. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the fatty acid profiles in both breast milk and formulas is crucial for addressing the distinct nutritional requirements of preterm infants. This paper aims to summarize the effects of lipid composition, structure, and positioning in breast milk and formula on the growth and development of preterm infants. Furthermore, it explores recent advancements in the use of novel structural lipids in formulas, laying the groundwork for future innovations in formula design specifically catered to the needs of preterm infants.

Progress in triacylglycerol isomer detection in milk lipids

In triacylglycerols (TAGs), position differences of fatty acids on the glycerol skeleton produce various TAG isomers. These TAG isomers have different pathways of digestion, absorption, and utilization in infants, thereby affecting TAG nutritional properties of TAGs. Here, we review the progress of research on methods for detecting TAG isomers, and identify direction and thought for improving these methods, including novel chromatographic combinations, perfect algorithm, and improved equipment. The ensuing optimization of these methods is expected to provide robust guarantee for the gradual improvement of milk-derived TAG isomer detection, and is an important prerequisite for infant formula to mimic the structured lipids of human milk.

1,3-Dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-glycerol and 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoyl-glycerol: Structure-function relationship, triacylglycerols preparation, nutrition value

Based on multivariate statistics, this review compared major triacylglycerols (TAGs) in animal milk and human milk fat from China and other countries. Human milk fat differs from animal milk fat in that it has longer acyl chains and higher concentrations of 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-glycerol (O-P-O) and 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoylglycerol (O-P-L). O-P-L is a significant and distinct TAG in human milk fat, particularly in China. 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoylglycerol (OPL) is human milk's major triglyceride molecule of O-P-L, accounting for more than 70%. As a result, OPL has piqued the interest of Chinese academics. The synthesis process and nutritional outcomes of OPL have been studied, including changes in gut microbiota, serum lipid composition, improved fatty acid and calcium absorption, and increased total bile acid levels. However, current OPL research is limited. Therefore, this review discussed enzymatic preparation of 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-glycerol (OPO) and OPL and their nutritional and physiological activity to direct future research direction for sn-2 palmitate and OPL.

The triacylglycerol structures are key factors influencing lipid digestion in preterm formulas during in vitro digestion

Preterm formulas are usually supplemented with medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT) whereas breast milk contains more medium and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT). Different types of triacylglycerol (TAG) containing medium-chain fatty acids may influence lipid digestion. In this study, the digestive characteristics of breast milk and preterm formulas with different MCT contents were evaluated using a dynamic in vitro system simulating the gastrointestinal tract of preterm infants. The lipolysis products, including diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols (MAGs), free fatty acids, and undigested TAGs, were analyzed. Formulas with MCT addition has significantly (P < 0.05) lower lipolysis degree (LD, 69.35%-71.28%) than breast milk (76.93%). Higher amounts of C8:0 and C10:0 were released in the formulas with MCT addition. Breast milk released more C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, and MAG containing C16:0, whereas formulas released more free C16:0. The Pearson correlation heatmap showed that the LD value was significantly and positively (P < 0.05) related to the MLCT and sn-2 C16:0 content.

Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerol: Preparation, Health Benefits, and Food Utilization

Medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) is a structured lipid with both medium- and long-chain fatty acids in one triacylglycerol molecule. Compared with long-chain triacylglycerol (LCT), which is mainly present in common edible oils, and the physical blend of medium-chain triacylglycerol with LCT (MCT/LCT), MLCT has different physicochemical properties, metabolic characteristics, and nutritional values. In this article, the recent advances in the use of MLCT in food formulations are reviewed. The natural sources and preparation of MLCT are discussed. A comprehensive summary of MLCT digestion, absorption, transport, and oxidation is provided as well as its health benefits, including reducing the risk of overweight, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, etc. The potential MLCT uses in food formulations, such as infant formulas, healthy foods for weight loss, and sports foods, are summarized. Finally, the current safety assessment and regulatory status of MLCT in food formulations are reviewed.

Detection and analysis of triacylglycerol regioisomers via electron activated dissociation (EAD) tandem mass spectrometry

Triacylglycerols (TGs) are important components of human diet. The positional distribution of fatty acids (FAs) on the glycerol backbone affects the chemistry and physical properties of fats. Especially for infants, the structure of TGs plays an important role in the growth and development. However, limited by detecting technology, accurately identifying regioisomers of ABA/AAB and BAC/ABC/ACB type TGs is a significant challenge for human milk utilization and the development of infant formula. For this, we exploit a novel method for identifying the regioisomers of ABA/AAB and BAC/ABC/ACB type TGs within complex lipid mixtures, via used electron activated dissociation (EAD) tandem mass spectrometry. The distribution information of acyl chains at the sn-2 and sn-1/3 positions of glycerol backbone and double bonds in unsaturated FAs can be easily obtained by fragmenting TG ions with energetic electrons (15 eV). Then, the standard curve was established by correlating the peak area intensity of sn-2 characteristic product ion with the content of TG regioisomers standard. These analytical methods successfully enabled the identification and quantification of TG regioisomers in human milk, cow milk, infant formula, palm oil, and sunflower oil. Additionally, the distribution of the double-bond positions of unsaturated FAs in these samples was also identified. Compared to traditional methods, this approach eliminates the need for complex processing and analysis procedures, enabling rapid structural characterization of ABA/AAB and BAC/ABC/ACB type TGs within 17 min. Hence, we provide a rapid and convenient methodology for detecting and analyzing ABA/AAB and BAC/ABC/ACB type TG regioisomers, thereby offering valuable assistance in the development of specialized formulations and facilitating effective process control for ensuring the quality of edible oils and fats.

Dose-related effects of early-life intake of sn-2 palmitate, a specific positionally distributed human milk fatty acid, on the composition and metabolism of the intestinal microbiota

sn2 Palmitate in human milk plays an important role in the physiological health of infants by reducing mineral loss, improving stool hardness, and relieving constipation. Also, sn-2 palmitate modulates intestinal microbiota. However, it remains unclear whether the effects of sn-2 palmitate on infant gut microbiota are dose-dependent. In this study, we investigated the effects of low, medium, and high doses (600, 1,800, and 5,400 mg/kg body weight, respectively) of sn-2 palmitate on the structure, composition, and metabolic function of intestinal microbes in mice. Our results showed that high doses of sn-2 palmitate significantly modulated α- and β-diversity of the intestinal microbiota. The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group decreased with increasing doses of sn-2 palmitate. In contrast, the abundances of Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroides, uncultured_Lachnospiraceae, and uncultured_Muribaculaceae were positively correlated with sn-2 palmitate doses. The number of genes predicted encoding autophagy-yeast, phospholipase D signaling pathway, and pentose and glucuronate interconversion metabolic functions of intestinal microbiota increased with increasing doses of sn-2 palmitate. In addition, low and medium doses of sn-2 palmitate significantly upregulated the arginine and proline metabolic pathways, and high doses of sn-2 palmitate significantly increased purine metabolism. Our results revealed that the effects of sn-2 palmitate intake early in life on the composition and metabolism of the intestinal microbiota of mice showed dose-related differences. The study is expected to provide a scientific basis for the development of infant formulas.

Novel trends and challenges in fat modification of next-generation infant formula: Considering the structure of milk fat globules to improve lipid digestion and metabolism of infants

Differences in the composition and structure of lipid droplets in infant formula (IF) and human milk (HM) can affect the fat digestion of infants, leading to high risk of metabolic diseases during later stages of growth. Recently, interest in simulating HM fat (HMF) has gradually increased due to its beneficial functions for infants. Much research focuses on the simulation of fatty acids and triacylglycerols. Enzymatic combined with new technologies such as carbodiimide coupling immobilization enzymes, solvent-free synthesis, and microbial fermentation can improve the yield of simulated HMF. Furthermore, fat modification in next-generation IF requires attention to the impact on the structure and function of milk fat globules (MFG). This review also summarizes the latest reports on MFG structure simulation, mainly related to the addition method and sequence of membrane components, and other milk processing steps. Although some of the simulated HMF technologies and products have been applied to currently commercially available IF, the cost is still high. Furthermore, understanding the fat decomposition of simulated HMF during digestion and assessing its nutritional effects on infants later in life is also a huge challenge. New process development and more clinical studies are needed to construct and evaluate simulated HMF in the future.

Progress of Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics in the Dairy Field

Lipids play important biological roles, such as providing essential fatty acids and signaling. The wide variety and structural diversity of lipids, and the limited technical means to study them, have seriously hampered the resolution of the mechanisms of action of lipids. With advances in mass spectrometry (MS) and bioinformatic technologies, large amounts of lipids have been detected and analyzed quickly using MS-based lipidomic techniques. Milk lipids, as complex structural metabolites, play a crucial role in human health. In this review, the lipidomic techniques and their applications to dairy products, including compositional analysis, quality identification, authenticity identification, and origin identification, are discussed, with the aim of providing technical support for the development of dairy products.

Comparative Lipidomic Analysis Reveals the Lactational Changes in the Lipid Profiles of Chinese Human Milk

Human milk (HM) lipid plays a crucial role in infant development, whereas its complex lipid profiles and its dynamic changes during prolonged lactation have not been investigated yet. Comparative lipidomic analyses were employed in investigating the lipid profiles of breast milk covering all lactation stages herein. Results revealed significant differences between colostrum and the remaining lactations. A total of 237 species of glycerolipids (GLs) and 231 phospholipids (PLs) were identified. Colostrum had the most abundant lipid species and was enriched with triacylglycerols (TGs) with a high molecular weight. TG(17:1/18:1/24:1), TG(24:1/24:1/26:1), TG(24:0/24:1/26:1), and SM(d20:1/14:1) were characteristic lipids of colostrum. Differential lipid species which were responsible for distinguishing the adjacent lactations were also indicated. Our findings can help deepen the overall understanding of HM lipid profiles and its dynamic changes, which will facilitate the development of infant formulas suitable for Chinese babies in diverse age groups.

Lipid Profiles of Human Milk and Infant Formulas: A Comparative Lipidomics Study

Infant formulas (IFs) are prevalent alternatives for human milk (HM), although their comparative lipid profiles have not been fully investigated. We adopted lipidomics to analyze and compare in-depth the lipid patterns of HM and IFs. The results indicated that the distribution of fatty acids (FAs) and the structure of triacylglycerols varied substantially in the analyzed samples. A total number of 425 species were identified during the analysis. HM was abundant in triacylglycerols that contained unsaturated and long-chain FAs (>C13), while triacylglycerols in IFs were mainly comprised of saturated and medium-chain FAs (C8-C13). Higher levels of sphingomyelin were observed in HM. Furthermore, HM and IF1 contained 67 significantly differential lipids (SDLs), and 73 were identified between HM and IF2. These SDLs were closely associated with nine metabolic pathways, of which the most significant was the glycerophospholipid metabolism. The results shed light on the differences between the lipid profiles of human and infant formula milks, and provide support for designing Chinese infant formula.

Quantification of phospholipids and glycerides in human milk using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Human milk lipids, which are an important source of energy and affect growth and development of infants, require a comprehensive method for its qualitative and quantitative analysis. This work describes a method for the analysis of phospholipids, glycerides, free fatty acids and gangliosides in human milk by ultra-performance liquid chromatography using a C18 column with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS). The lipids were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and phospholipids were separated by solid phase extraction (SPE). The chromatographic columns with two different specifications (4.6 mm × 150 mm, and 3 mm × 50 mm) were used to detect phospholipids and glycerides in human milk, respectively. The sphingolipids and glycerides were analyzed in positive ion mode, and the glycerophospholipids and free fatty acids were analyzed in negative ion mode. Both internal and external standards were used for absolute quantification in this experiment. 483 species of lipids, including phospholipids, glycerides, free fatty acids and gangliosides, in human milk were analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS with high sensitivity and good linearity, with coefficient of correlation above 0.99, the relative standard deviation of accuracy and precision less than 10%. The results in a large number of human milk samples showed that this method was suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids in human milk, even for other mammalian milk and infant formulae.

Evaluation of Fatty Acid Distributions and Triacylglycerol Species in Sow Milk and Commercial Piglet Formulas: A Comparative Study Based on Fat Sources and Lactation Stages

Total fatty acid and sn-2 fatty acid compositions, and triacylglycerol (TAG) species in 130 sow colostrum, 100 sow milk, and 22 piglet formula samples were analyzed in the present study. Significant differences were found in concentrations of medium chain-saturated fatty acids (MC-SFAs) and distributions of palmitic acid (P) and oleic (O)/linoleic (L) acid. The levels of MC-SFAs in sow colostrum and sow milk fats (2.4-3.1%) were significantly lower than those in piglet formulas (7.9-27.2%). Approximately 63% of palmitic acid was located at the sn-2 position in both sow colostrum and milk fats, which was significantly higher than in piglet formula fats (21.1-39.1%). Correspondingly, only 17.8-28.3% of oleic and linoleic acids were at the sn-2 position in sow milk fats, contributing to their typical triacylglycerol structure in sow colostrum and milk, whose palmitic acid connected to the sn-2 position and unsaturated fatty acids located at the sn-1,3 positions. Sow colostrum, milk, and piglet formulas were notably distinguished into three groups based on their fatty acids and TAGs, among which triacylglycerols were the most differentiated index. A total of 51 TAG species (including their isomers) differed significantly between sow colostrum and milk and piglet formulas. OPL and OPO were the most important differentiating TAGs. The large amount of sn-2 esterified palmitic acid plays a key role in improving the absorption of fat and calcium. The results provide suggestions for design of sow milk fat equivalents.

Triacylglycerol regioisomers containing palmitic acid analyzed by ultra-performance supercritical fluid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry: Comparison of standard curve calibration and calculation equation

Triacylglycerol (TAG) regioisomers containing palmitic acid (16:0) was identified using ultra-performance supercritical fluid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPSFC-Q-TOF-MS) and quantified using calibration curve method and calculation equation method. There were negative linear correlation between [R_A-A]⁺/[R_A-A]⁺+[R_A-B]⁺ and content of sn-A-B-A (%) for AAB/ABA type TAGs, [R_{sn-1 FA-sn-3 FA}]⁺/[R_B-C]⁺+[R_A-C]⁺+[R_A-B]⁺ and content of fatty acid (FA) at sn-2 position (%) for BAC/ABC/ACB type TAGs. The difference between calculation equation and standard curve method was acceptable. The TAG regioisomers in human milk, mammalian milk, lard and fish oil were identified and quantified using the developed methods. This study provided a reliable and facile method for analysis of the TAG regioisomers, which was capable of the selection of oil materials for infant formula production.

Medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols and di-unsaturated fatty acyl-palmitoyl-glycerols in Chinese human milk: Association with region during the lactation

The triacylglycerols (TAGs) of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) and di-unsaturated fatty acyl-palmitoyl-glycerols (UPU) in human milk provide better nutritional effects, and should be prioritized as crucial focuses on neonatal nutrition research. However, little has been done on the influences of the lactation stage and regional diversity on MLCT and UPU. In this study, we collected 204 human milk samples during colostrum, 1st and 4th month from the north (Baotou), central (Beijing), east (Jinan), southwest (Kunming), southeast (Shenzhen), and northwest (Xining) regions of China. There were 122 species of TAGs detected with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, including 60 kinds of MLCT and 15 kinds of UPU. The MLCT and UPU type TAGs in human milk were ~27 and ~38%, respectively. The sum content of MLCT and UPU in human milk was stable. Compared to the regional diversity, lactation stages showed more obvious influences on MLCT and UPU composition. Moreover, a summary of TAG studies indicated that Chinese human milk showed a higher ratio of O-P-L to O-P-O than in western countries.

Applications of Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Foods

In the 1950s, the production of processed fats and oils from coconut oil was popular in the United States. It became necessary to find uses for the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that were byproducts of the process, and a production method for medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) was established. At the time of this development, its use as a non-fattening fat was being studied. In the early days MCFAs included fatty acids ranging from hexanoic acid (C6:0) to dodecanoic acid (C12:0), but today their compositions vary among manufacturers and there seems to be no clear definition. MCFAs are more polar than long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) because of their shorter chain length, and their hydrolysis and absorption properties differ greatly. These differences in physical properties have led, since the 1960s, to the use of MCTs to improve various lipid absorption disorders and malnutrition. More than half a century has passed since MCTs were first used in the medical field. It has been reported that they not only have properties as an energy source, but also have various physiological effects, such as effects on fat and protein metabolism. The enhancement of fat oxidation through ingestion of MCTs has led to interest in the study of body fat reduction and improvement of endurance during exercise. Recently, MCTs have also been shown to promote protein anabolism and inhibit catabolism, and applied research has been conducted into the prevention of frailty in the elderly. In addition, a relatively large ingestion of MCTs can be partially converted into ketone bodies, which can be used as a component of "ketone diets" in the dietary treatment of patients with intractable epilepsy, or in the nutritional support of terminally ill cancer patients. The possibility of improving cognitive function in dementia patients and mild cognitive impairment is also being studied. Obesity due to over-nutrition and lack of exercise, and frailty due to under-nutrition and aging, are major health issues in today's society. MCTs have been studied in relation to these concerns. In this paper we will introduce the results of applied research into the use of MCTs by healthy subjects.

Ammonia Concentration in the Eluent Influences Fragmentation Pattern of Triacylglycerols in Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Correct assessment of the fatty acyl at the glycerol sn-2 position in triacylglycerol (TAG) analysis by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is challenging. Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) is the preferred choice for the solvent additive for the formation of the ammonium adduct ([M + NH₄]⁺). In this study, the influence of different NH₄OH concentrations in the eluents on TAG adduct formation and fragmentation under LC-MS analysis was assessed. Increasing NH₄OH concentrations delayed the chromatographic elution time according to a power function. The [M + NH₄]⁺ and [M + ACN + NH₄]⁺ adducts (where ACN means acetonitrile) were formed at all ammonium concentrations assayed. [M + ACN + NH₄]⁺ predominated above 18.26 mM [NH₄OH], and the intensity of [M + NH₄]⁺ dropped. TAG fragmentation for fatty acyl release in the MS^E was reduced with increasing [M + ACN + NH₄]⁺ adduct, which suggests that ACN stabilizes the adduct in a way that inhibits the rupture of the ester bonds in TAGs. A linear equation (H_sn-I = a × H_[M+NH4]+, where sn-I refers to the sn position of the glycerol (I = 1, 2, or 3) and H is the peak height) was deduced to quantify the dehydroxydiacylglycerol fragment intensity in relation to [M + NH₄]⁺ intensity in the full scan. This equation had a slope mean value of 0.369 ± 0.058 for the sn-1 and sn-3 positions, and of 0.188 ± 0.007 for the sn-2 position.

Allelic Variation in Zmfatb Gene Defines Variability for Fatty Acids Composition Among Diverse Maize Genotypes

Edible oil with lower saturated fatty acids is desired for perceived quality and health benefits to humans and livestock. fatb gene encoding acyl-ACP thioesterase is a key player in the conversion of palmitic acid to oleic acid, thereby modifying the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids in maize kernels. The present investigation characterised the full-length sequence of the Zmfatb gene (4.63 kb) in two mutants (Zmfatb) and eight wild-types (ZmfatB) inbreds to study allelic variation, gene-based diversity, phylogenetic-relationship, protein-modelling, and molecular-docking to identify novel candidates for modification of fatty acid profile. Sequence alignment revealed wide genomic variability for Zmfatb among the inbreds; identified five novel SNPs and two InDels that clearly differentiated the wild-type and mutant genotypes. Gene-based diversity using 11-InDel markers categorised 48-diverse maize-inbreds into two-clusters. The majority of mutant and wild-type inbreds were grouped in separate clusters and led to the generation of 41 haplotypes. Genetic relationship of maize fatb gene with orthologues among 40 accessions of 12 oilseed-crops using both nucleotide and protein sequence clustered maize, soybean, sunflower, opium-poppy, Citrulus lanata, quinoa, and prunus species into one cluster; and brassica, camelina, and arabidopsis into the different cluster. The clustering pattern revealed that the plant oil with higher unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids grouped together in one cluster and higher proportions of other fractions like arachidic, eicosenoic, and erucic acids grouped in another cluster. Physico-chemical properties highlighted more similarity between maize and 29 orthologue proteins, but orthologues were found to have better thermostability. Homology models have been developed for maize mutant and wild-type inbreds using Umbellularia californica (PDB ID: 5x04) as a template. Predicted protein models possessed optimum confidence-score and RMSD values and validated stability via., Ramachandran plots. Molecular docking indicated most of the interactions of protein-ligand were having similar binding-affinity due to the broader specificity of fatty acyl-ACP thioesterases and the presence of conserved-domains across crops. This is the first report on the comprehensive molecular characterisation of the fatb gene in maize and various orthologues. The information generated here provided new insights into the genetic diversity of fatb gene which can be utilised for the enhanced nutritive value of oil in the breeding programme.

Digestion of Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerol and sn-2 Palmitate in Infant Formula: A Study Based on Dynamic In Vitro Simulation of Infant Gastrointestinal Lipolysis

In this study, lipolysis of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in infant formula (IF) composed of different oils and supplied with different structured TAGs, including medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) and sn-2 palmitate, was studied using a dynamic digestion model simulating the infant gastrointestinal tract. The molecular species of digestion products released during digestion, including diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols (MAGs), and free fatty acids, as well as undigested TAGs, were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We observed clearly different lipolysis degrees (LDs), with diversity in digestion products of different IFs. IFs supplied with MLCT showed moderate medium-chain fatty acid release during gastric digestion and higher LD after intestinal digestion. The presence of sn-2 palmitate in IF was associated with higher content of MAG-16:0 in digestion products. The species and contents of digestion products in IF were highly influenced by structured TAGs.

Evaluation of total, sn-2 fatty acid, and triacylglycerol composition in commercial infant formulas on the Chinese market: A comparative study of preterm and term formulas

Preterm infants with physiological immaturity require higher lipid provision than term infants. This study compared the lipid composition, including total, sn-2 fatty acid, and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions in 14 preterm formulas and 25 term formulas in the Chinese market, in 2020-2021. Preterm formula had higher medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and comparable C22:6n-3 (DHA) contents than term formula. Notably, significantly lower C16:0 and C18:0 (p < 0.001) were distributed on the sn-2 position in preterm formula. Two hundred and thirteen kinds of TAG molecular species were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. In preterm formula, significantly higher Ca-Ca-Cy and Ca-Ca-Ca (p < 0.001) existed. These clear distinctions showed the challenge of the progress in preterm formula, such as DHA status, MCFA pattern, and TAG esterified with palmitic acid on the sn-2 position.

Highlights of the Fifth International Symposium on Lipid Science and Health

The International Symposium on Lipid Science and Health (ISLSH) has been organized annually by the Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (OCRI-CAAS) since 2016. The purpose of the symposium was to bring together the leading lipid science and health researchers throughout the world to discuss the current state of knowledge as well as research needs with respect to chemistry and beneficial health properties of lipids. The Fifth International Symposium on Lipid Science and Health was held on October 2020 in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Speakers from China, the United States, Australia, Finland, and other countries delivered wonderful presentations. The presentations covered such diverse topics as lipid profiling and characterization, lipid preparation and modification, lipid improvement and regulation, and lipid nutrition and health. As a record of the symposium proceedings, this special issue comprises a selection of 27 papers from oral presentations and poster contributions and is prefaced by this introduction.