Arachidic acid (also called eicosanoic acid) is a long-chain saturated fatty acid. It is the elongation product of stearic acid and can be utilized as an energy source to build membranes.
Arachidic acid is found naturally in fish and vegetable oils (such as those from peanuts). It is structurally related to the polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid Arachidonic acid and can also be formed by the hydrogenation of arachidonic acid.
It’s name derives from the Latin arachis—peanut.
Higher levels:
- Its accumulation can interfere with essential fatty acid metabolism, as it inhibits the Delta-6 desaturase enzyme needed to produce DGLA, EPA, and AA.
- Diets rich in saturated fatty acids, such as arachidic acid, are known to increase serum low-density lipoproteins resulting in high blood cholesterol levels.
References:
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8006520
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