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Diacylglycerol

Diacylglycerol is found in small quantities in vegetable oil. In its concentrated form, it is used to replace dietary fats. Diacylglycerol is used to promote weight loss and treat high triglyceride levels in the blood. In industrial manufacturing, diacylglycerol is used as a stabilizer and thickener, as well as to modify the texture of certain products.

How does diacylglycerol work?

Diacylglycerol may work by increasing energy expenditure and the breakdown of fat.

How effective is diacylglycerol?

Diacylglycerol may be effective in promoting weight loss and the breakdown of body fat. When diacylglycerol is used in place of other fats, it may promote weight loss. Diacylglycerol is commonly added to products such as muffins, crackers, soups, cookies and granola bars. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement regarding the effectiveness of diacylglycerol in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that diacylglycerol may lower blood glucose and triglyceride levels in the blood of people suffering from type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that diacylglycerol may also slow the progression of kidney failure in people with type 2 diabetes, possibly due to a reduction in triglyceride levels. There is also not enough scientific information on the effectiveness of diacylglycerol on high blood triglyceride levels. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of diacylglycerol in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Diacylglycerol appears to be safe and harmless for most people. However, it can cause stomach upset, headaches, acne and skin rashes.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of diacylglycerol during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid diacylglycerol.

Interactions

At the present time there is no information on interactions of diacylglycerol with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of diacylglycerol depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for diacylglycerol. For this reason, you should follow the dosing instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Maki KC, Davidson MH, Tsushima R, et al. Consumption of diacylglycerol oil as part of a reduced-energy diet enhances loss of body weight and fat in comparison with consumption of a triacylglycerol control oil. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:1230-6.
  2. Nagao T, Watanabe H, Goto N, et al. Dietary diacylglycerol suppresses accumulation of body fat compared to triacylglycerol in men in a double-blind controlled trial. J Nutr 2000;130:792-7.
  3. Saito S, Takeshita M, Tomonobu K, et al. Dose-dependent cholesterol-lowering effect of a mayonnaise-type product with a main component of diacylglycerol-containing plant sterol esters. Nutrition 2006;22:174-8
  4. Saito S, Tomonobu K, Hase T, Tokimitsu I. Effects of diacylglycerol on postprandial energy expenditure and respiratory quotient in healthy subjects. Nutrition 2006;22:30-5.
  5. Taguchi H, Watanabe H, Onizawa K, et al. Double-blind controlled study on the effects of dietary diacylglycerol on postprandial serum and chylomicron triacylglycerol responses in healthy humans. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:789-96.
  6. Takase H, Shoji K, Hase T, Tokimitsu I. Effect of diacylglycerol on postprandial lipid metabolism in non-diabetic subjects with and without insulin resistance. Atherosclerosis 2005;180:197-204.
  7. Tomonobu K, Hase T, Tokimitsu I. Dietary diacylglycerol in a typical meal suppresses postprandial increases in serum lipid levels compared with dietary triacylglycerol. Nutrition 2006;22:128-35.
  8. US Food and Drug Administration. Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition. Office of Premarket Approval. Agency Response Letter GRAS Notice No. GRN 00056. DEcember 4, 2000 Available at: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~rdb/opa-g056.html
  9. Watanabe H, Onizawa K, Naito S, et al. Fat-soluble vitamin status is not affected by diacylglycerol consumption. Ann Nutr Metab 2001;45:259-64.
  10. Yamamoto K, Asakawa H, Tokunaga K, et al. Long-term ingestion of dietary diacylglycerol lowers serum triacylglycerol in type II diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridemia. J Nutr 2001;131:3204-7.
  11. Yamamoto K, Tomonobu K, Asakawa H, et al. Diet therapy with diacylglycerol oil delays the progression of renal failure in type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy. Diabetes Care 2006;29:417-9.
  12. Yasunaga K, Glinsmann WH, Seo Y, et al. Safety aspects regarding the consumption of high-dose dietary diacylglycerol oil in men and women in a double-blind controlled trial in comparison with consumption of a triacylglycerol control oil. Food Chem Toxicol 2004;42:1419-29.