saturated With reference to fatty acids means that the carbon chain carries its full complement of hydrogen atoms, as compared with mono‐unsaturated and polyunsaturated. Where the nutrient content of foods is described in these entries the total amount of fat is listed, together with the proportion of saturates. Where mono‐unsaturates are sufficiently important this is also quoted and the polyunsaturates can be calculated by difference from the total. Where the amounts of mono‐unsaturates are small the entry lists the proportion of polyunsaturates and the mono‐unsaturates can be calculated by difference from the total.

saturated Denoting a compound consisting of molecules that have only single bonds (i.e. no double or triple bonds). Saturated compounds can undergo substitution reactions but not addition reactions. See fatty acid. Compare unsaturated.

saturated See SILICA SATURATION.