Iodine Value – Significance, Need, Importance, and FAQs

What is an Iodine Value?

The iodine value (IV) is a measure of the unsaturation of a fatty acid. It is the number of grams of iodine that will saturate 100 grams of the fatty acid.

Saturated vs Unsaturated Fats

• Saturated fats are those that are solid at room temperature. They are found in animal products such as meat and dairy, as well as in tropical oils like coconut and palm. Saturated fats are known to raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Unsaturated fats are those that are liquid at room temperature. They are found in plant products such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds, as well as in fish. Unsaturated fats are known to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can decrease the risk of heart disease.

Iodine Value

• The iodine value(IV) is a measure of the average number of grams of iodine that a fat or oil molecule can hold per 100 grams of the substance. The iodine value is a measure of the degree of unsaturation of a fat or oil.
• The iodine value (IV) of a fat or oil is a measure of the amount of iodine that can be absorbed by the fat or oil. The iodine value is expressed in grams of iodine per 100 grams of fat or oil.
• The iodine value is determined by adding a known quantity of iodine to a known quantity of fat or oil, and then determining the amount of iodine that is absorbed by the fat or oil. The iodine value is determined by titrating the sample with a standard solution of sodium thiosulfate.
• The iodine value is a measure of the degree of unsaturation of a fat or oil. Fats and oils that are more unsaturated have a higher iodine value.