Toxicological analysis of the chronic consumption of diheptanoin and triheptanoin in rats

The aim of this study was to synthesise glycerol esters from heptanoic acid and to evaluate the toxicity of their chronic consumption in rats. The synthesised product (64% triheptanoin, 34% diheptanoin and 2% monoheptanoin) was called experimental oil. Newly weaned male Wistar rats ( n  = 3 × 10) were fed with control diet AIN-93, control with 30% substitution of soybean oil with experimental oil (TAGC₇ 30%) or control with substitution of 50% (TAGC₇ 50%), for 9 months. The experimental oil did not affect the growth, lipid digestibility or hepatic and renal function, and the lipid profile serum analysis. Additionally, it exhibited a hepato-protector effect in group TAGC₇ 50%. In conclusion, the chronic consumption of di- and triheptanoin was not toxic in rats, suggesting that they may be used in the treatment of disorders in which more easily digestible lipids are required.