Stearic acid methyl ester is an esterified version of the free acid which is less water soluble but more amenable for the formulation of stearate-containing diets and dietary supplements. Stearic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid that can be derived from either animal fats or vegetable oils. Compared to other long-chain saturated fatty acids that are hypercholesterolemic, experimental diets high in stearic acid (9.3-11.8% of energy) do not raise plasma total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol concentrations but may slightly reduce HDL cholesterol concentrations.^1,2