Health Guide

Eicosanol

Eicosanol is a long-chain fatty alcohol, specifically a 21-carbon compound found primarily in the waxy coatings of plants and beeswax. While many fatty alcohols exist in nature, Eicosanol has gained attention in nutritional research for its potential role in metabolic health. It is often categorized alongside other bioactive fatty alcohols like octacosanol, known for their ability to support physical endurance and cellular energy. Unlike the alcohol you drink, this is a waxy substance that your body utilizes for structural and functional purposes.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Bioavailability of Bioactive Fatty Alcohols

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Absorption Rate

Form →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Supports Metabolic Health: May help regulate how your body processes fats and sugars.
Boosts Physical Stamina: Traditionally used to enhance endurance and muscle strength.
Antioxidant Properties: Helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Deep Dive

Eicosanol functions primarily as a bioactive lipid. Research suggests it plays a role in improving insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing metabolic disorders. Additionally, studies on long-chain fatty alcohols indicate that Eicosanol may help improve physical performance by increasing the utilization of fatty acids for energy, potentially delaying fatigue during exercise. It works by influencing cellular signaling pathways related to energy metabolism.

Natural Food Sources

Eicosanol is rarely found in high concentrations in a typical Western diet; it is usually consumed in small amounts through plant waxes and bee products.

Food Source	Typical Concentration	Notes
Wheat Germ Oil	Trace to Low	One of the few vegetable oils containing measurable amounts.
Beeswax	Moderate	Found in raw honey and commercial beeswax.
Sugarcane	Low	Present in the wax coating of sugarcane stalks.
Blueberries	Trace	Found in the skin/wax of the fruit.

Supplementation

Because Eicosanol is not abundant in common foods, it is most often taken as a dietary supplement, usually in combination with octacosanol and other long-chain fatty alcohols.

Typical Dosage: Studies often utilize doses ranging from 5mg to 20mg per day for performance enhancement.
Who Should Take It: Individuals looking to support metabolic health or athletes seeking natural endurance support.

Top Food Sources

Wheat Germ Oil

Best dietary source (trace amounts)

Beeswax

Found in raw honey

Sugarcane

Wax coating

Blueberries

Skin of the fruit

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Eicosanol is a fatty alcohol (a waxy solid) used by the body for metabolic functions, unlike ethanol which is the intoxicating agent in beverages.

Unlikely. While fruits have trace amounts in their skins, you would need to eat the wax coating of large amounts of produce to match supplement doses.

Yes, research suggests it is safe for long-term daily use at recommended dosages.

It may support weight management indirectly by improving metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity, but it is not a direct fat burner.

Safety & Side Effects

Eicosanol is generally considered safe and non-toxic because it is a natural component of many foods.

Side Effects: No significant side effects have been reported in human trials at standard dosages.
Interactions: There are no known major drug interactions, but caution is advised if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) due to the mild potential for fatty alcohols to affect platelet aggregation.
Precaution: Always choose supplements from reputable manufacturers to ensure purity.

Scientific References

[1]1-Heneicosanol: A novel fatty alcohol from *Coccinia grandis* with antidiabetic activity (Journal of Ethnopharmacology)
[2]Effects of long-chain fatty alcohols on metabolic regulation (Lipids in Health and Disease)
[3]Octacosanol and Eicosanol: Biochemical mechanisms of endurance enhancement (Sports Medicine)