What Is Cetoleic Acid (22:1 n-11)?
Cetoleic acid, known as 22:1 n-11, is a very-long-chain monounsaturated omega-11 fatty acid. It's considered nearly insoluble in water and has a relatively neutral nature.
This unique fatty acid is predominantly found in animal sources.
In the human body, cetoleic acid plays a crucial role in stimulating the synthesis of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). These long and healthy omega-3 fatty acids are vital for overall well-being. (source ◳)
Moreover, cetoleic acid is believed to offer potential benefits for your skin and can be used as an emollient and softening agent.
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Discovering Cetoleic Acid in Food
You can find cetoleic acid primarily in animal sources, and it's notably present in the fat content of beef tallow and beef lard.
Smaller quantities can also be found in various fats and oils.
Some vegetable oils, such as mustard seed and rapeseed, contain traces of cetoleic acid. (source ◳)
Applications of Cetoleic Acid
Cetoleic acid has a wide range of applications. It's used in the production of functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
This versatile fatty acid is also utilized in the synthesis of polymers, lubricants, and as a solubilizer. In fact, cetoleic acid is instrumental in soap preparation.
Additionally, cetoleic acid contributes to the manufacturing of biofuels, although it's derived from castor oil through a hydrogen reaction, yielding relatively low quantities. Hence, its usage is somewhat limited.
Find Cetoleic Acid in Foods with Our Nutrition Tool
Access regularly updated lists of foods containing cetoleic acid and over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool.
While there are only a few foods in our database with cetoleic acid, you can explore our concise list of options that contain Cetoleic acid.
