What is "elaidic acid"

Elaidic \E`la*id"ic\, a. [Cf. F. ['e]la["i]dique. See Elaine.] Relating to oleic acid, or elaine.

Elaidic acid (Chem.), a fatty acid isomeric with oleic acid, and obtained from it by the action of nitrous acid.

n. (context organic compound English) The major trans fat found in hydrogenated vegetable oils, also occurring in small amounts in caprine and bovine milk.

n. a monounsaturated fatty acid that has the same structure as oleic acid except that it is a trans fatty acid; the major trans fatty acid in margarine and fried foods

Elaidic acid is the major trans fat found in hydrogenated vegetable oils and occurs in small amounts in caprine and bovine milk (very roughly 0.1% of the fatty acids) and some meats. It is the trans isomer of oleic acid. The name of the elaidinization reaction comes from elaidic acid.

Elaidic acid increases plasma CETP activity which lowers HDL cholesterol.