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Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) are usually saturated fatty acids with one or more methyl branches on the carbon chain.[1][2] BCFAs are most often found in bacteria,[2] but can be found in nattō,[3] dairy,[4] vernix caseosa of human infants and California sea lions[5] where they may play a role in fostering the development of their intestinal microbiota.[1] Another waxy animal material containing BCFAs is lanolin.[2]
Chemical structures of 13-methyltetradecanoic acid (top) and 12-methyltetradecanoic acid, two branched chain fatty acids found in bacteria
Branched chain fatty acids are considered to be responsible for the smell of mutton[6] and higher content causes consumers to dislike the smell of lamb meat.[7] Branched-chain fatty acids are synthesized by the branch-chain fatty acid synthesizing system.
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