Fettliebende

Fettliebende is a German adjective meaning “fat-loving” and is used to describe substances, molecules, or organisms with an affinity for fats or lipids. In scientific contexts, this property is commonly referred to as lipophilicity or fat solubility. A fettliebende compound tends to dissolve in nonpolar environments such as fats or organic solvents rather than in water.

Applications and contexts: In chemistry and pharmacology, lipophilicity is a key factor shaping the distribution, bioavailability, and storage of compounds in the body. Lipophilic drugs often accumulate in fatty tissues and may cross lipid-rich barriers more readily. In nutrition, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are examples of fettliebende substances because they dissolve in fats rather than water.

Biology and microbiology: Some microorganisms or enzymes are described as fettliebend when they preferentially interact with or metabolize lipids; oleophilic organisms thrive in oily environments. The term is less common in modern formal usage, where lipophilic or fat-soluble are the preferred terms.

See also: Lipophilicity, Hydrophobicity, Fat-soluble vitamins, Lipid metabolism.

Note: The term’s usage can vary by author and field; in many contexts, replacing fettliebende with lipophilic or fat-soluble yields clearer international understanding.