Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Octadecatetraenoic Acid

Also known as: ODTA, stearidonic acid, 18:4 fatty acid, Octadecatetraenoic Acid

Overview

Octadecatetraenoic acid (ODTA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) containing 18 carbon atoms and four double bonds. It is found in certain plant oils and marine sources, though often in smaller quantities compared to more common fatty acids like linoleic acid or alpha-linolenic acid. ODTA is classified as an omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid depending on the specific position of its double bonds. Research suggests its potential role in cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory processes, and metabolic regulation. As a highly unsaturated fatty acid, ODTA contributes to cell membrane fluidity and serves as a precursor for other longer-chain PUFAs. While not as extensively studied as EPA or DHA, ODTA is included in various epidemiological and cohort studies, with evidence primarily derived from observational data rather than randomized controlled trials.

Benefits

Octadecatetraenoic acid (ODTA) has shown promising benefits, primarily in cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation, based on observational studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 prospective cohort studies involving nearly 1.2 million participants indicated that higher dietary intake of ODTA was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. While exact effect sizes for ODTA alone were not always isolated, the overall findings suggested a protective effect. Another large cohort study with nearly 50,000 adults similarly found an inverse correlation between higher intake of PUFAs, including ODTA, and mortality risk from cardiovascular and other causes. In children and adolescents, higher ODTA intake was associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension, with odds ratios around 0.78-0.80, suggesting a role in blood pressure regulation. These benefits are observed in both adult populations for CVD risk reduction and in pediatric populations for hypertension risk. The effect sizes, though modest, are statistically significant. The evidence is predominantly observational, indicating long-term dietary intake is relevant, but randomized controlled trials specifically isolating ODTA's effects are limited.

How it works

Octadecatetraenoic acid (ODTA) exerts its effects primarily by modulating inflammation, influencing lipid metabolism, and altering cell membrane composition. As a polyunsaturated fatty acid, it is incorporated into cell membranes, affecting their fluidity and function. ODTA may serve as a precursor for the synthesis of eicosanoids and other signaling lipids, which play crucial roles in regulating inflammatory responses and various physiological processes. Within the cardiovascular system, ODTA is thought to influence lipid profiles and improve endothelial function, contributing to its observed protective effects against cardiovascular disease. It may also play a role in blood pressure regulation through these mechanisms. Once consumed, ODTA is absorbed in the intestine and integrated into plasma lipids and cellular membranes throughout the body.

Side effects

Octadecatetraenoic acid (ODTA) is generally considered safe as a dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), with no specific adverse effects reported in the reviewed scientific literature. There are no documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects associated with its dietary intake. Furthermore, no specific drug interactions have been identified for ODTA. There are no known contraindications for its use, and it appears to be well-tolerated across various populations. Data in children suggest benefits without reporting any safety concerns. As ODTA is typically consumed as part of a broader dietary intake of PUFAs, its safety profile aligns with that of other beneficial fatty acids. However, specific safety data for isolated, high-dose ODTA supplementation are limited due to the lack of such products and research.

Dosage

Specific dosage guidelines for Octadecatetraenoic Acid (ODTA) are not formally established, as it is typically consumed as part of a broader dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) rather than as an isolated supplement. There is no defined minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for ODTA alone. The benefits observed in cohort studies are associated with typical dietary intake levels of PUFAs that include ODTA. Similarly, a maximum safe dose has not been established, as no toxicity has been reported at dietary consumption levels. For optimal benefits, long-term and consistent dietary intake is likely necessary, rather than acute supplementation. Natural dietary sources are preferred over supplements, which are uncommon for isolated ODTA. Absorption of ODTA, like other fatty acids, is enhanced by the presence of dietary fat. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is ODTA supplementation necessary?

Current evidence suggests that the benefits of ODTA are associated with its dietary intake as part of overall polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, rather than isolated supplementation. Focus on a diet rich in natural sources.

Can ODTA reduce blood pressure?

Observational studies, particularly in youth, indicate an association between higher ODTA intake and a lower risk of hypertension, suggesting a potential role in blood pressure regulation.

Is ODTA safe during pregnancy?

While there's no specific data on isolated ODTA during pregnancy, general intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which include ODTA, is widely considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Benefits associated with ODTA, such as cardiovascular protection, are linked to long-term dietary intake. There are no documented acute effects, suggesting consistent consumption is key.

Research Sources

https://bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12902-023-01412-4 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 prospective cohort studies, involving nearly 1.2 million participants, found that higher dietary intake of octadecatetraenoic acid was associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk and all-cause mortality. The study highlights a protective effect, though it notes that exact effect sizes for ODTA alone were not always isolated from other PUFAs.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11879808/ – A large prospective cohort study with 49,884 adults demonstrated that greater intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including octadecatetraenoic acid, was inversely associated with mortality risk from cardiovascular and other causes. This observational study supports the long-term health benefits of dietary PUFA consumption.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2023.1185982/full – This cross-sectional observational study in children and adolescents found that higher intake of octadecatetraenoic acid was associated with lower odds of hypertension (OR ~0.78-0.80). The findings suggest a potential role for ODTA in blood pressure regulation in younger populations, though the cross-sectional design limits conclusions on causality.