What Is Omega 9, Erucic Acid (22:1 n-9) & What Foods Can I Find It In?
Erucic acid, 22:1 n-9, is a monounsaturated omega fatty acid.
Erucic acid is produced by elongation of oleic acid.
Erucic acid is a long-chain fatty acid but breaks down into shorter-chain fatty acids in our liver.
The most common sources of erucic acid are the seeds of the oilseed rape plant, which is used for human consumption in the form of canola oil.
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Erucic Acid Is Not Essential
22:1 n-9 is called Erucic acid.
It’s a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. (source ◳)
Unlike omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, omega−9 fatty acids are not classified as essential fatty acids.
It is because omega-9 can be created in the body from unsaturated fat. (source ◳)
Erucic Acid Is Not For Everyone
Erucic acid is found in rapeseed, wallflower seed, and mustard seed. (source ◳)
Erucic acid is classified as a contaminant that is found in vegetable oil. It is a contaminant that is often present in oils and fats derived from plants or animals.
This can occur due to the breakdown of the triglycerides during processing or storage of the oils or fats.
For most people, this is not a safety concern, if not overconsuming.
But it poses a long-term health risk, especially for children, who consume high amounts of foods containing this substance. (source ◳)
Foods You Can Find Erucic Acid (22:1 n-9) In
You find Erucic Acid (22:1 n-9) mostly in sausage and luncheon meat, pork, dairy and egg, and baked products.
Examples of food sources include
- Beef Frankfurter
- Breakfast Beef Sausage
- Turkey Sausage
- Italian Pork Sausage
- Chorizo
- Cured Bacon
- Butter
Foods in our nutrition tool
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If you are interested in what foods contain the most Erucic acid, we recommend you use our tool.
Here's our top-ranked list of foods that contain Erucic acid.