Omega-11 Fatty Acids
Also known as: Omega-11 fatty acids, gadoleic acid, gondoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid
Overview
Omega-11 fatty acids are a class of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) characterized by a double bond at the 11th carbon from the methyl end. A prominent example is cis-11-eicosenoic acid, also known as gadoleic acid. These fatty acids are found naturally in some fish oils, certain plant oils like macadamia nut oil, and other marine sources. While they are dietary fats, their primary uses and applications as supplements are not well-defined due to limited research. They are chemically stable compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and may influence lipid profiles, but direct clinical evidence is sparse. The research maturity level for omega-11 fatty acids is low, with minimal direct investigation in clinical trials or meta-analyses, especially when compared to the extensive research on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Benefits
There are no direct, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses specifically on omega-11 fatty acids to establish their benefits. Most clinical evidence and systematic reviews focus on omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., EPA, DHA) for cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurotrophic benefits. Indirectly, as monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-11 fatty acids may contribute to improved lipid profiles and reduced cardiovascular risk, but this is an extrapolation from broader MUFA research rather than specific data for omega-11. No specific population-based benefits, effect sizes, clinical significance, or time course of benefits have been established for omega-11 fatty acids due to the lack of dedicated research.
How it works
Omega-11 fatty acids, similar to other monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), are believed to modulate lipid metabolism. This modulation may involve influencing cholesterol transport and the activity of enzymes related to fatty acid oxidation. They are absorbed in the small intestine, like other dietary fatty acids, and can be incorporated into cell membranes or metabolized for energy. While they may have potential effects on the cardiovascular system through lipid profile modulation, there is limited data on their involvement in inflammatory or neuroprotective pathways. No specific molecular targets have been identified for omega-11 fatty acids in human studies.
Side effects
Omega-11 fatty acids are generally regarded as safe when consumed as part of dietary fats. There are no reported adverse safety signals, common side effects (>5%), uncommon side effects (1-5%), or rare side effects (<1%) specifically attributed to omega-11 fatty acids in the available literature. No documented drug interactions or contraindications specific to omega-11 fatty acids have been identified. Furthermore, there is no data available regarding special population considerations for these fatty acids. Overall, their safety profile appears benign within normal dietary intake, but the lack of specific research means that potential effects from high-dose supplementation are unknown.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose for omega-11 fatty acids have not been established due to the lack of specific research. There are no timing considerations, form-specific recommendations, or identified required cofactors for their supplementation. Like other dietary fats, their absorption is typical and can be enhanced by concurrent fat intake. Given the absence of dedicated studies, any recommendations for omega-11 fatty acid supplementation would be speculative and not evidence-based.
FAQs
Is omega-11 fatty acid supplementation beneficial?
There is no direct evidence from high-quality clinical trials or meta-analyses to support specific benefits from omega-11 fatty acid supplementation. Any potential benefits are largely inferred from general research on monounsaturated fatty acids.
Is omega-11 fatty acid safe?
Yes, as part of normal dietary fat intake, omega-11 fatty acids are considered safe. However, the safety of high-dose supplementation has not been specifically studied.
How does omega-11 fatty acid compare to omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids have robust evidence supporting cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits. Omega-11 fatty acids lack such specific, high-quality evidence for similar effects.
Can omega-11 fatty acids increase BDNF or reduce inflammation?
There is no direct evidence to suggest that omega-11 fatty acids can increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) or reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, however, have demonstrated effects on BDNF and inflammatory markers.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36103100/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes. It found mixed results for primary prevention but confirmed some benefits in specific populations, highlighting the complexity of omega-3 research.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37589276/ – This study explored the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory biomarkers. It concluded that omega-3 supplementation can modulate certain inflammatory pathways, providing evidence for their anti-inflammatory properties in various health conditions.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54535-x – This research article examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. It suggested that omega-3s may play a role in neuroplasticity and cognitive function by influencing BDNF expression.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-16129-8 – This article, while not directly about omega-11, is a relevant example of high-quality research on fatty acids. It provides insights into the methodologies and depth of investigation typically applied to well-studied fatty acids, contrasting with the lack of such studies for omega-11.
Supplements Containing Omega-11 Fatty Acids
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