Stearic acid is the second most abundant fatty acid in nature and among the most abundant fatty acids in most animals as well as in some plants and bacteria. It has many biological functions as well as many pharmaceutical and industrial uses.In gangliosides it is especially prevalent, comprising as much as 80% of the total fatty acids present. A large amount of stearic acid is used as the precursor for oleic acid via the Δ9-desaturase enzyme. . It has recently been proposed that stearic acid causes a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than other saturated fatty acids.{50564} Stearic acid has been extensively used to aid in the delivery mechanisms of various therapeutical agents.{50565,50566}
