monoglyceride

A monoglyceride is an ester of glycerol where only one of the three hydroxyl groups is esterified. These compounds are formed when lipases break down triglycerides, which are the primary form of dietary fat. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone.12

In the human digestive system, lipases work to break down medium-chain triglycerides into free monoglycerides and medium-chain fatty acids, which are more soluble in water and can be absorbed by intestinal cells. Long-chain fatty acids are also split off from triglycerides by pancreatic lipase, leaving a monoglyceride. These monoglycerides then combine with bile salts to form micelles, which allow fats to be soluble in water and facilitate their absorption. Monoglycerides and diglycerides, partial esters of glycerol, are also used as emulsifiers in food products like baked goods and ice cream.234