Arachidic Acid
Also known as: Arachidic acid, eicosanoic acid, C20:0, Arachidic Acid
Overview
Arachidic acid, also known as eicosanoic acid, is a saturated long-chain fatty acid (C20:0) found naturally in various vegetable oils, such as peanut oil and corn oil, as well as in some animal fats. It is a minor dietary component and is distinct from arachidonic acid (ARA), which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with significant biological roles. Arachidic acid is solid at room temperature and is primarily used in industrial applications like cosmetics and lubricants. Research on its specific health effects or benefits as a dietary supplement is extremely limited, with most scientific literature focusing on arachidonic acid. There is a notable absence of high-quality human studies or systematic reviews investigating arachidic acid's impact on human health.
Benefits
There is no robust evidence from high-quality human studies or systematic reviews to support specific health benefits of arachidic acid supplementation. It is generally considered biologically inert compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic acid. No specific effects, whether primary or secondary, have been well-studied or established for arachidic acid. Consequently, there are no identified population-specific benefits, established effect sizes, clinical significance, or time course of benefits. The current scientific understanding indicates a lack of demonstrated health advantages from arachidic acid supplementation.
How it works
As a saturated fatty acid, arachidic acid can be incorporated into cell membranes or metabolized by the body for energy, similar to other dietary fats. However, unlike certain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, it does not have known signaling roles or specific molecular targets that would confer unique biological activities. Its interaction with body systems is not well-characterized beyond its general role in lipid metabolism. Absorption and bioavailability are expected to be similar to other long-chain saturated fatty acids, occurring in the intestine, with dietary fat content potentially influencing its absorption.
Side effects
No specific safety concerns or adverse effects have been reported for dietary arachidic acid at typical intake levels. There are no documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects associated with its consumption. Furthermore, no drug interactions or contraindications are known. Data regarding its safety in special populations is unavailable. Overall, arachidic acid is considered safe at levels typically found in the diet, but due to the lack of research on supplementation, comprehensive safety data for higher intake levels is absent.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for arachidic acid has not been established due to a lack of scientific evidence supporting any specific health benefits. Consequently, there are no optimal dosage ranges or maximum safe doses defined for supplementation. Typical dietary exposure to arachidic acid is low and considered safe. Timing considerations, form-specific recommendations, and required cofactors are not applicable given the absence of established benefits or usage guidelines. Its absorption is expected to be similar to other saturated fatty acids, potentially influenced by the overall dietary fat content.
FAQs
Is arachidic acid the same as arachidonic acid?
No, arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid (C20:0), while arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (C20:4 n-6) with distinct biological roles and effects in the body.
Does arachidic acid have anti-inflammatory effects?
There is no scientific evidence to support anti-inflammatory or any other bioactive effects of arachidic acid. It is generally considered biologically inert.
Is supplementation necessary?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that supplementation with arachidic acid provides any health benefits or is necessary for human health.
Are there any risks?
No known risks or adverse effects have been documented for arachidic acid at typical dietary intake levels. However, research on high-dose supplementation is lacking.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31130146/ – This systematic review, published in 2019, focuses on arachidonic acid (ARA), not arachidic acid. It analyzed 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and found no adverse effects from ARA supplementation (80-2000 mg/day) and limited benefits, primarily in cognitive and muscle function in aging populations. This research is not applicable to arachidic acid.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/systematic-review-of-the-effects-of-increasing-arachidonic-acid-intake-on-pufa-status-metabolism-and-healthrelated-outcomes-in-humans/6A0167CBF8EC148B4855C25D002E4AC4 – This source is a systematic review from the British Journal of Nutrition, which is the full text of the previously cited PubMed abstract. It details the effects of increasing arachidonic acid intake on various health outcomes. Crucially, it does not provide information or research on arachidic acid, reinforcing the distinction between the two fatty acids.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3574856/ – This 2012 systematic review investigates the association between arachidonic acid (ARA) levels and colorectal cancer risk. It concludes that there is no clear association between ARA levels and colorectal cancer risk. This study, like the others, focuses exclusively on arachidonic acid and provides no relevant information regarding arachidic acid.
