Fedtlignende

Fedtlignende is a Danish adjective meaning "fat-like" or "lipid-like," used to describe substances that resemble fats (lipids) in chemical structure, physical properties or functional behavior. The term applies broadly to molecules and materials that share characteristics with triglycerides and related lipids, such as hydrophobicity, a greasy texture, caloric density, or the ability to act as energy stores or structural components in biological membranes.

In biochemistry and cell biology, fedtlignende can refer to lipid analogs, sterols, waxes and amphipathic molecules like phospholipids that perform membrane-forming, signalling or storage roles. In food science the descriptor is used for fat replacers and emulsifiers that mimic the mouthfeel, texture or culinary function of fats—examples include certain carbohydrate- or protein-based substitutes and non‑absorbable fat mimetics used in processed foods. In industry the term covers lubricants, greases and oil-like materials that serve as fat analogs in mechanical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Properties commonly associated with fedtlignende substances include low solubility in water, solubility in nonpolar solvents, and variable biodegradability. Health and environmental considerations depend on composition: naturally occurring lipids are metabolized differently from synthetic fat-like compounds, and some artificial substitutes raise concerns about digestive effects, nutrient absorption or persistence in the environment. The term is primarily descriptive and context-dependent rather than a strict chemical classification.