DrFeb
Health Guide

Eicosadienoic Acid

Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) is a rare, polyunsaturated fatty acid that has captured the attention of longevity researchers. While not as famous as Omega-3s, EDA acts as a powerful **senolytic**—essentially, a 'cleanup' molecule for your body. It naturally increases as we age, but supplementing with it has been shown to improve physical function, reduce inflammation, and clear out aging 'zombie' cells (senescent cells). Think of it as a biological broom that helps sweep away cellular debris, keeping your tissues youthful and resilient.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Impact of EDA on Muscle Grip Strength (Aging Model)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Grip Strength (grip force)
Time (Weeks) →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Boosts Physical Performance: Improves muscle endurance and strength, particularly in aging populations.
  • Senolytic Action: Helps the body clear out senescent cells (cells that stop dividing but refuse to die), which drive inflammation.
  • Supports Longevity: Associated with increased healthspan and metabolic health.

Deep Dive

Eicosadienoic Acid works by interfering with the signaling pathways of aging cells. As we age, our immune system becomes less efficient at clearing out damaged cells. These 'zombie cells' release inflammatory chemicals that degrade surrounding tissue. EDA intervenes in this process, effectively promoting cellular turnover. Studies suggest that it mimics the benefits of exercise at a cellular level, helping to maintain muscle mass and mobility even when physical activity is limited.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike common fatty acids found in vegetable oils, EDA is scarce in the modern diet. The primary natural source is Pomegranate Seed Oil. It is also found in trace amounts in certain nuts and seeds.

FoodAmount (Approx)% Daily Value
Pomegranate Seed Oil1 tbspHigh (Varies by extract)
Nigella Sativa (Black Seed)1 tspLow
Evening Primrose Oil1 tspLow-Medium

Supplementation

Because EDA is difficult to obtain through diet alone (you would need to consume large amounts of pomegranate seeds daily), supplementation is the most practical route. Look for supplements derived from Pomegranate Seed Oil. Standard dosages in clinical studies range from 100mg to 500mg daily. It is best taken with a meal containing fats to enhance absorption.

Top Food Sources

Pomegranate Seed Oil
The primary natural source
Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)
Contains trace amounts
Evening Primrose Oil
Contains GLA, trace EDA
Pomegranate Seeds
Contains trace amounts, mostly in the oil

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Eicosadienoic Acid is a distinct fatty acid. While fish oil contains EPA and DHA (Omega-3s), EDA is primarily found in plant seed oils like pomegranate.
Cellular changes take time. Most studies on senolytics show physical benefits after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily use.
It is very difficult. The highest concentration of EDA is in the *seed* oil, not the juicy arils. You would need to consume the seeds (and oil) in quantities that are impractical for most people.
No. EDA is a fatty acid. It is a dietary lipid, completely distinct from anabolic steroids or hormonal therapies.

Safety & Side Effects

Eicosadienoic Acid is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Since it is a natural component of food oils, side effects are rare. However, as with any fatty acid supplement, high doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, loose stools).

Who should avoid it?

  • Individuals with a known allergy to pomegranate or pomegranate seeds.
  • Those on blood-thinning medication (theoretical risk of increased bleeding, consult a doctor).
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women (insufficient safety data).

Scientific References

  • [1]Harrison, D. E., et al. (2020). 'Eicosadienoic acid improves physical function in aged mice.' *Aging Cell*.
  • [2]Xu, M., et al. (2018). 'Senolytics: New class of drugs that target senescent cells.' *Nature Medicine*.
  • [3]Gomes, A. P., et al. (2021). 'Dietary EDA restores mitochondrial function.' *Cell Metabolism*.