What Is Heneicosanoic Acid (21:0) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

Heneicosanoic acid, 21:0, is also known as Heneicosylic acid. It’s a long-chain saturated fatty acid, and the conjugated acid of henicosanoate.

In the body, heneicosanoic acid has primarily been detected in urine, and it is considered a potentially toxic compound.

Heneicosanoic acid is a component of many natural oils and waxes.

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Where To Find Heneicosanoic Acid

Heneicosanoic acid is classified as a long-chain saturated fatty acid. (source )

Heneicosanoic acid in the body

Heneicosanoic acid has been primarily detected in urine, but it is also present in small amounts in red blood cells and breast milk fat. (source )

Heneicosanoic acid in foods

It is a component of many natural oils and waxes, although its concentration is about 1000 times lower than that of oleic acid in natural fats and oils.

Potentially Toxic

Heneicosanoic acid is considered a potentially toxic compound in large quantities (source ), similar to heptanoic acid.

The toxicity of heneicosanoic acid is not well known, but there have been reports of its occurrence in toxic foodstuffs.

Other Uses Of Heneicosanoic Acid

Heneicosanoic acid is commonly used in various industries, including paints, paper, textiles, and plastics.

It can be used as an additive to impart characteristics such as improved water and oil repellency.

Foods You Can Find Heneicosanoic Acid (21:0) In

You can find heneicosanoic acid mostly in fats and oils.

Examples of food sources include

Foods in our nutrition tool

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We currently have a limited number of foods containing heneicosanoic acid in our database.

Here's a shortlist of foods that contain heneicosanoic acid.

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.