Energy Value of a Fat High in Stearic Acid

A fat containing 92.1% stearic acid (tristearin) was evaluated for energy value using shortening (9 kcal/g) and mineral oil (0 kcal/g) as controls and young rats as the test model. Energy value was calculated based on efficiency of conversion of estimated gross energy intake to carcass energy over a 3-wk period. Rats fed the shortening-based diet deposited more than double the fat and significantly more protein in the carcass than rats fed the tristearin-based diet. Rats fed the tristearin-based diet deposited significantly more fat and protein than rats fed the mineral oil-based diet. Based on these observations, the estimated energy value of tristearin was calculated as 3 kcal/g.