Medium chain fatty acids are defined as having how many carbons?

• A. 2-4 carbons
• B. 14-18 carbons
• C. 6-12 carbons
• D. 20+ carbons

Answer: (C)

Medium chain fatty acids have a moderate chain length, specifically about 6 to 12 carbon atoms. This range makes them more water-soluble than longer fats and allows them to be absorbed directly into the portal circulation and rapidly oxidized in the liver, without the need for the usual long-chain transport steps. Examples like caprylic (C8), capric (C10), and lauric (C12) illustrate this category. The other ranges correspond to shorter fatty acids, which behave differently in digestion, or longer fatty acids, which are not considered medium chain.