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The role of Complex Lipids in Attaining Metabolic Health

  • Lipids (J Ordovas and L Parnell, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Milk fat includes a series of complex lipids such as phospholipids, gangliosides and cholesterol, among others that are organized into a trilaminar structure known as milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). Several studies have shown that the increased consumption of milk and dairy products is associated with a reduced incidence of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and type-2 diabetes, which are considered as important cardiovascular risk factors. MFGM compounds have been suggested as the main components in promoting these beneficial effects. Decrease of cholesterolemia levels and prevention of coronary heart disease have been identified as beneficial effects derived from MFGM. Gut flora has been also implicated in metabolic disorders and the interaction of MFGM compounds influencing the composition of gut bacteria, especially at early stages of life, might also be one of the mechanisms involved in promoting metabolic health.

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Acknowledgments

The author thanks Dr. Pedro A. Prieto and Dr. Mª Jesús Martín for critical review and Cristina Cazorla for the artwork and editorial assistance.

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R Rueda declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the author.

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Correspondence to Ricardo Rueda.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Lipids

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Rueda, R. The role of Complex Lipids in Attaining Metabolic Health. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 8, 371 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-013-0371-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-013-0371-4

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