Used as a stable isotope-labeled tracer in metabolic studies to track fatty acid metabolism, particularly in lipid biosynthesis and oxidation pathways. Enables precise measurement of palmitic acid incorporation into complex lipids such as triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters in cells, tissues, or whole organisms. Widely applied in research on obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases where lipid metabolism is altered. Also employed in mass spectrometry and NMR studies to improve analytical accuracy and trace metabolic fluxes in biological systems.