Whats the deal with stearic acid?

Question

From what I can tell stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. However, some sites list it as a trans-fatty acid (particularly when it is used in supplement tablets). what kind of fat IS stearic acid? Is it good or bad? can it have more than one form? why does one site say its a saturated fat and good for you, but another says its a trans fat and very bad for you?

Please help with my confusion.

Answer 1

A colorless, odorless, waxlike fatty acid, CH(CH)COOH, occurring in natural animal and vegetable fats and used in making soaps, candles, lubricants, and other products.

probably b/c if it comes from an animal it is more likely to be harmful as opposed to it coming from a plant.

Answer 2

Stearic acid IS a saturated fat. The rumor/lie that it is a trans fat is based solely on uneducated or ignorant people/companies trying to focus on peoples fears in order to pawn their product. Read this article entitled "Myths about stearate risks" and it will answer all your question and scientifically dispute any internet lies.

http://honestnutrition.blogspot.com/