Fractionated palm kernel oil
Also known as: Fractionated palm kernel oil, palm kernel oil fractions, FPKO
Overview
Fractionated palm kernel oil (FPKO) is an edible oil derived from palm kernel oil, which is extracted from the kernel of the oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis). The fractionation process physically separates the oil into liquid (olein) and solid (stearin) fractions based on their melting points and crystallization properties. This process is often used as an alternative to hydrogenation, aiming to improve the oil's texture and physical properties for various applications without introducing trans fats. FPKO is predominantly used in the food industry as a cooking oil, and in the production of margarine, shortenings, and bakery products due to its specific melting characteristics and stability. It is characterized by a high content of saturated fatty acids, particularly lauric acid. While extensive research exists on palm oil and general palm kernel oil, specific high-quality research on fractionated palm kernel oil is more limited, with much of the understanding extrapolated from studies on its parent oil or palm olein. Its primary role is as a food ingredient, and its consideration as a nutritional supplement is mainly due to its fatty acid profile.
Benefits
Research on the specific health benefits of fractionated palm kernel oil is limited, with most findings extrapolated from studies on palm kernel oil or palm olein. The primary area of investigation has been its impact on lipid profiles. Some meta-analyses on palm olein (a fraction of palm oil, not palm kernel oil) suggest a neutral to slightly beneficial effect on HDL cholesterol and triglycerides compared to other oils. However, fractionated palm kernel oil, like its parent oil, is rich in saturated fatty acids, which may raise LDL cholesterol, a known cardiovascular risk factor. The evidence regarding its effect on LDL cholesterol is mixed and highly dependent on the comparator oils used in studies. There is limited data on other potential health benefits such as antioxidant effects or broader metabolic impacts specific to fractionated palm kernel oil. No clear evidence supports specific population-specific benefits. Effect sizes on lipid parameters, when observed for related fractions, are typically small to moderate, and direct clinical significance for fractionated palm kernel oil is not well established. Lipid changes, if any, are generally observed within 4-12 weeks of dietary intervention.
How it works
Fractionated palm kernel oil primarily exerts its effects through its fatty acid composition, which influences lipid metabolism. The saturated fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, present in FPKO can impact cholesterol synthesis and clearance pathways in the body. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated for FPKO specifically, dietary saturated fats are known to influence enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, such as HMG-CoA reductase, albeit indirectly. Upon consumption, FPKO is absorbed as dietary fat, and its fatty acid chain length and saturation level influence its digestion and subsequent metabolic pathways. Its primary interaction is with the cardiovascular system, mainly through its potential to alter lipid profiles. Any effects on inflammatory markers are less clear and require further investigation.
Side effects
Fractionated palm kernel oil is generally recognized as safe for consumption when used in typical food amounts. There are no common side effects (occurring in >5% of individuals) well-documented, and its safety profile is consistent with other edible oils. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) might include mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in excessively large quantities, similar to other dietary fats. Rare side effects (<1%) such as allergic reactions to palm products are possible but infrequent. There are no significant known drug interactions associated with fractionated palm kernel oil. Contraindications include individuals with known allergies to palm products. For special populations, individuals with cardiovascular risks should monitor their overall saturated fat intake, as FPKO is high in saturated fats. However, no specific contraindications have been identified for pregnant individuals or children, and its use in these groups should align with general dietary fat recommendations.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for fractionated palm kernel oil as a dietary supplement, as it is primarily used as a food ingredient. Its intake is typically as part of the diet, where it contributes to overall fat consumption. There is no defined maximum safe dose; however, excessive intake of saturated fat, regardless of source, should be avoided in line with cardiovascular health guidelines. No specific timing recommendations exist for its consumption. As a food ingredient, it is used as cooking oil or incorporated into processed foods, with fractionation improving its physical properties for these applications. As a fat-soluble substance, its absorption is influenced by the overall meal composition. No specific cofactors are required for its absorption or utilization.
FAQs
Is fractionated palm kernel oil healthier than regular palm kernel oil?
Fractionation primarily alters the physical properties of palm kernel oil, such as melting point, but does not significantly change its fatty acid profile. Therefore, their health effects, particularly concerning saturated fat content, are largely similar and depend on overall dietary intake.
Can fractionated palm kernel oil improve cholesterol levels?
Evidence is mixed. While some studies on related palm oil fractions suggest neutral or slightly beneficial effects on HDL cholesterol, fractionated palm kernel oil, being high in saturated fats, may have a neutral or slightly adverse effect on LDL cholesterol compared to unsaturated oils.
Is fractionated palm kernel oil safe for daily consumption?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for daily consumption within typical dietary fat intake recommendations. Its safety profile is consistent with other edible oils when consumed in food amounts.
Does fractionation remove harmful components from palm kernel oil?
Fractionation separates the oil into different fractions based on physical properties but does not remove saturated fats or other components that might be associated with cardiovascular risk. The high saturated fat content remains a key characteristic.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6628844/ – This meta-analysis of 9 RCTs investigated the effect of palm olein intake on lipid status in healthy adults. It found that palm olein had neutral to slightly beneficial effects on HDL cholesterol and triglycerides compared to other oils, though heterogeneity was noted. While not directly on fractionated palm kernel oil, it provides context on the effects of palm oil fractions.
- https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/376122/9789240088344-eng.pdf?sequence=1 – This WHO rapid overview of systematic reviews on palm oil intake and cardiovascular outcomes indicated that palm oil intake might increase the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction when compared to polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils. It highlights the significant role of saturated fat content, which is relevant to fractionated palm kernel oil due to its similar fatty acid profile.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33393824/ – This review discussed the use of fractionated palm oils in the food industry and their cardiovascular effects. It emphasized fractionation as an alternative to hydrogenation and stressed the need to evaluate each fraction separately due to differing fatty acid profiles. The review concluded that the health effects of fractionated palm kernel oil remain controversial and warrant further dedicated research.
