Mono-, Di- and Triglycerides: Small Fat Structures, Big Impact

12 Aug 2025

In the animal feed industry, everything revolves around optimal feed quality, efficient energy absorption, and healthy animals. Fat structures such as mono-, di-, and triglycerides play a crucial role in this. Our renewed analysis method now provides customers with even clearer insights into these fat components – from their influence on gut health to their contribution to feed intake and productivity. In this article, Naomi Willemse, will explain the importance of this analysis, our improved workflow, and the benefits for you as a customer.

What makes the analysis of mono-, di-, and triglycerides relevant for our customers in the animal feed industry?

The analysis of mono-, di-, and triglycerides is important for the animal feed industry because it affects energy absorption, feed quality, and digestion. The right balance of fats improves feed efficiency, increases feed intake and mixture stability, and optimizes costs. In addition, it contributes to animal health, such as fat metabolism, skin health, and meat or milk production. In short, this analysis helps improve feeds and increase animal productivity.

Can you briefly explain the difference between mono-, di-, and triglycerides?

Mono-, di-, and triglycerides are glycerol esters of fatty acids. Triglycerides, consisting of three fatty acids bound to a glycerol molecule, are the most common form of fat. Mono- and diglycerides can, for example, be formed as hydrolysis products of triglycerides in the gut. This process splits fatty acids from glycerol, resulting in free fatty acids.

Why are these fat structures often added to animal feed?

Mono-, di-, and triglycerides are added to animal feed because they are an important source of energy, improve fat digestion, increase feed intake, and support gut health. They also help mix fats in the feed (emulsifying effect).

What role does this analysis play in improving gut health and nutrient absorption?

The analysis of mono-, di-, and triglycerides plays an important role in improving gut health and nutrient absorption by providing insight into which fat structures are most digestible and have a positive effect on gut flora. Monoglycerides, in particular, can inhibit harmful bacteria and promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients, resulting in more efficient feed utilization and better overall animal health.

You are now analyzing with a renewed workflow – what has changed exactly?

During a coffee machine discussion between the specialist and the account manager, it became clear that the expectations of the specialist and the customer were not fully aligned. As a result, the entire workflow was critically evaluated and adjusted. Previously, customers sent in their products without additional information, which made product identification considerably more difficult. By adjusting the monoglyceride profiles, it has become easier for the analyst to identify components.

What are the benefits of this new reporting format for customers?

The components requested by the customer and expected to be present will be explicitly included in the analysis report. Since these are specifically stated at the time of request, the report becomes more structured and contains no unnecessary information.

How do you ensure that the results are clear and error-free for interpretation?

We use standards that serve as reliable reference points during analysis. This ensures more accurate identification and quantification of the various mono-, di-, and triglycerides in the sample. In addition, for each series, a control sample is processed to monitor accuracy.

Naomi Willemse Analyst Chromatography

By adjusting the monoglyceride profiles, it has become easier for the analyst to identify components.

Why is it important to select chain lengths in advance when requesting the analysis?

It is significantly easier to interpret chromatograms when it is clear at the time of the request which specific components are expected, as this allows for targeted searching and comparison. It is quite common for unknown peaks to appear in the chromatogram.

What happens if a sample contains more than four fatty acid chain lengths?

The analysis is suitable for additives and concentrates containing one to a maximum of four different chain lengths. If a mix of monoglycerides with more than four chain lengths is added to a single additive, it can make component identification extremely challenging, as peaks of various shapes and chain lengths can elute simultaneously. The matrix can also interfere in this process. If you would like to have such a product analyzed, please contact us to discuss the possibilities via our research route.

Can you tell us about the alpha and beta variants and when it is relevant to include them in the analysis?

Mono- and diglycerides can occur in both alpha and beta variants. In the alpha variant of monoglycerides, the fatty acid tail is located at the sn-1 position, while in the beta variant, it is positioned at the sn-2 position. For diglycerides, the alpha variant refers to the 1,3 position, and the beta variant to the 1,2 position. Naturally, the alpha variant will always be more common because it is the most energetically favorable configuration for the molecule. The position of the fatty acid can influence the physical and chemical properties, and therefore the applications.

What do you personally find the most enjoyable or interesting about performing this analysis?

I enjoy interpreting the chromatograms the most. This involves carefully analyzing and assessing the data obtained from chromatography to accurately determine the presence, quantity, and ratio of mono-, di-, and triglycerides. This requires specialized technical knowledge and insight into the chemical properties of fat structures to ensure that reliable results can be reported to the customer.