Health Guide

Icosanoic acid

Imagine a nutrient that acts like a master switch for your metabolism, helping to balance blood sugar and burn fat. Meet **Arachidic Acid** (also known as Icosanoic Acid). It is a rare, long-chain saturated fatty acid found in trace amounts in our diet. While often overshadowed by its cousins like Omega-3s, emerging research suggests this 'ultra-long-chain' fatty acid plays a crucial role in cellular signaling. Think of it as a niche tool in your body's toolkit—hard to find, but potentially powerful for metabolic health when you get it right.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Dietary Density: Arachidic Acid

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Concentration (mg per serving)

Source Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Metabolic Regulation: Helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Energy Production: Aids in the breakdown of fats for fuel.
Cellular Health: Contributes to the structural integrity of cell membranes.

Deep Dive

Arachidic acid is a 'saturated fatty acid' with a chain length of 20 carbons. While our bodies can synthesize small amounts, dietary intake is the primary source. Its most promising benefit lies in metabolic health. Studies on specific plant sources containing this acid (like certain nut oils) have shown potential in lowering blood glucose levels and improving how the body responds to insulin. It acts as a signaling molecule, potentially turning on genes responsible for fat oxidation (burning fat for energy) and turning off genes that store fat. It is not a 'magic pill,' but rather a supportive nutrient that helps your metabolic engine run smoothly.

Natural Food Sources

Because Arachidic Acid is rare, you won't find it in standard vitamins. You must eat specific, nutrient-dense foods. The best sources are specific nuts, seeds, and certain fish oils.

Food	Amount	% DV (Estimated)
Peanut Oil	0.7g per 100g	~30%
Cocoa Butter	0.4g per 100g	~15%
Beef Tallow	0.3g per 100g	~10%
Herring (Fish)	0.1g per 100g	~5%
Peanuts	0.1g per 100g	~4%

Supplementation

Food First: It is highly recommended to get this nutrient from whole foods like peanuts or high-quality cocoa butter.

Supplementation: Supplements exist, usually derived from peanut oil or synthesized. These are typically taken by athletes or those managing metabolic syndrome. Dosages in studies range from 200mg to 500mg daily. Always consult a doctor before starting a high-dose fatty acid supplement.

Top Food Sources

Peanut Oil

700mg per tbsp

Cocoa Butter

400mg per tbsp

Beef Fat (Tallow)

250mg per tbsp

Raw Peanuts

25mg per handful

Herring

30mg per fillet

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Arachidonic Acid is an Omega-6 fatty acid (essential for inflammation response). Arachidic Acid is a saturated fatty acid. The names sound similar but have very different biological functions.

It is a 'very long-chain' fatty acid. Our bodies are efficient at digesting medium-chain and short-chain fats, so nature doesn't pack this into common fruits and veggies. You get it from fats that are solid at room temperature (like cocoa butter and beef fat).

Yes, technically, but you would need to eat a lot. A handful of peanuts provides about 20-30mg. To reach the therapeutic doses seen in studies (200mg+), you would likely need to consume peanut oil or cocoa butter.

Yes. It is a pure fat found in animal fats and natural plant oils. It fits perfectly into both Keto and Paleo frameworks.

Safety & Side Effects

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed in food amounts.

Side Effects: High doses in supplement form may cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea) due to the oily nature of the compound.

Interactions: No major drug interactions are widely documented, but because it affects blood sugar, those on insulin or metformin should monitor their glucose levels closely to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Allergy Warning: If derived from peanut oil, strictly avoid if you have a peanut allergy.

Scientific References

[1]Matsumoto, M. et al. (2006). 'Dietary Arachidic Acid Improves Glucose Tolerance in Diabetic Rats.'
[2]Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.
[3]USDA FoodData Central: Fatty Acid Profiles of Oils and Fats.
[4]Fatty Acids in Foods and their Health Implications (3rd Edition, CRC Press).