A fatty acid with 6 carbon atoms is likely to be:

• A. Digested & absorbed slower than longer fatty acids.
• B. Digested & absorbed quicker than longer fatty acids.
• C. Indigestible.
• D. Found in most foods that you eat.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of fatty acids: Fatty acids are classified based on their chain length, which can be short-chain (less than 6 carbons), medium-chain (6–12 carbons), or long-chain (more than 12 carbons). A fatty acid with 6 carbon atoms falls into the medium-chain category.
2. Learn how chain length affects digestion and absorption: Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are digested and absorbed more quickly than long-chain fatty acids because they bypass the lymphatic system and are transported directly to the liver via the portal vein.
3. Compare digestion rates: Longer fatty acids require emulsification by bile salts and incorporation into micelles for absorption, which is a slower process compared to the direct absorption of medium-chain fatty acids.
4. Evaluate the options provided: Based on the digestion and absorption characteristics of medium-chain fatty acids, the correct answer aligns with the statement 'Digested & absorbed quicker than longer fatty acids.'
5. Consider the broader context: Medium-chain fatty acids are found in specific foods like coconut oil and palm kernel oil, but they are not as common in most everyday foods compared to long-chain fatty acids.