Lipidlösliche

Lipidlösliche refers to substances that can dissolve in lipids, which are fatty or oily substances. This property is often described using the term lipophilic, meaning "fat-loving". In contrast, substances that dissolve in water are hydrophilic, meaning "water-loving".

Many important biological molecules and compounds exhibit lipid solubility. For instance, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they are absorbed along with dietary fats and can be stored in the body's fatty tissues. This storage capability can lead to potential toxicity if excessive amounts are consumed. Many drugs are also designed to be lipid-soluble to facilitate their absorption across cell membranes, which are primarily composed of lipids, and their distribution throughout the body.

The degree of lipid solubility is a crucial factor in pharmacokinetics, influencing how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. Highly lipid-soluble compounds tend to cross biological membranes more readily but may also accumulate in fatty tissues, leading to longer retention times. Conversely, less lipid-soluble compounds may have limited absorption and distribution. Understanding lipid solubility is also important in areas like environmental science, where persistent organic pollutants often have high lipid solubility, leading to bioaccumulation in food chains.