What Is cis-Eicosapentaenoic Acid (20:5 c)? What Foods Can I Find It In?

cis-Eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5 c, is a straight-chain polyunsaturated cis fatty acid whose double bonds all have the cis configuration.

It’s the cis-isomer of Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, 20:5, which is an Omega 3 fatty acid.

cis-Isomer Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid

20:5 c is the cis-isomer of Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, 20:5. It’s a polyunsaturated fatty acid. (source ◳)

Isomers are compounds with identical chemical formulas but different structures.

The cis-isomer indicates that the functional groups are on the same side of the carbon chain, while the trans-isomer indicates that functional groups are on opposing sides of the carbon chain. (source ◳)

cis-Eicosapentaenoic Acid Is An Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Just like eicosapentaenoic Acid, cis-Eicosapentaenoic acid belongs to the omega 3 fatty acids family.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are very important in human nutrition, mainly in the form of fish oils.

Its main source is the oily fish of the species salmon, mackerel, herring, sardine, trout, etc.

The omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to health in the sense that they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and of certain types of cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids also have an action on the central nervous system.

Foods You Can Find cis-Eicosapentaenoic Acid In

You find cis-eicosapentaenoic acid mostly in seafood, dairy and eggs, sausages and luncheon meat, and poultry products.

Examples of food sources include

• Raw Alaska Pollock
• Raw Haddock
• Fish Light Tuna
• Butter
• Cheese
• Cheddar

Foods in our nutrition tool

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If you are interested in what foods contain the most cis-eicosapentaenoic acid, we recommend you use our tool.

Here's our top ranked list of foods that contain cis-Eicosapentaenoic acid.