What Is Heptadecanoic Acid (17:0) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

3D-model of Heptadecanoic acid (17:0) (src)

Heptadecanoic acid, 17:0, also known as Margaric acid or Heptadecoate.

It’s a saturated long-chain fatty acid that exists as a solid and is considered to be practically insoluble in water.

Heptadecanoic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid which is commonly found in animal fats and is a by-product of the food industry.

It is used to make lubricants and cosmetics, and has also been used as a food preservative.

Table of Contents

Odd- And Long-Chain

Heptadecanoic acid is an odd-chain and long-chain saturated fatty acid. (source )

Odd-chain fatty acids are found in human plasma and red blood cells. But can also be found in liver, buccal, and tissues. (source )

Heptadecanoic Acid Is A Naturally Occurring Acid

Heptadecanoic acid accounts for only a small proportion of total saturated fatty acids found in various foods. (source )

Heptadecanoic acid is a naturally occurring constituent of animal tissues, especially the fat of fish and marine mammals, and of the n-alkanes of certain algae.

Heptadecanoic acid is found in the waxes of the coconut, and it has also been found in the epidermis of some insects.

Foods You Can Find Heptadecanoic Acid (17:0) In

You find Heptadecanoic Acid (17:0) mostly in lamb, veal, game, and beef products.

Examples of food sources include

Foods in our nutrition tool

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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.