What Is 18:2 i & What Foods Can I Find It In?

18:2 i is an isomer from Conjugated linoleic acids, CLA 18:2. They contain similar nutrient profiles.

With the exception that 18:2 i is found abundant in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Consumption of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases.

18:2 i is classified as a polyunsaturated conjugated fatty acid.

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18:2 i Is Not Recognized As Safe

18:2 i is found mostly in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Partially-hydrogenated oils are when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to increase shelf-life and flavor stability of foods. (source )

In 2015, the FDA released its final determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are not generally recognized as safe. (source )

18:2 i In Women Vs Men

Researchers have found that the fatty acid 18:2 i is more than two times higher in women than in men, and that the difference between the sexes is significant.

Therefore, women are more likely to suffer from hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia means your blood has too many lipids, which increases fatty deposits in arteries and the risk of blockages.

It is likely that the higher levels of 18:1 i in women are due to lower levels of fatty acid oxidation in women than it is in men.

Foods You Can Find 18:2 i In

You find 18:2 i mostly in fats and oil, baked, snack, and dairy and egg products.

Examples of food sources include

Foods in our nutrition tool

You can find regularly updated top ranked lists of foods for over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool.

If you are interested in what foods contain the most 18:2 i, we recommend you visit our tool.

Here's our top ranked list of foods that contain 18:2 i.

Sara Niemelä

co-founder Care Omnia, Head Content Creator

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Nutrition is my passion. I've spent thousands upon thousands of hours reading, analyzing, categorizing and comparing research studies.

I’m a wife and a mother of three. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with my family.