What Is Myristoleic Acid (14:1) & What Foods Can I Find It In?

3D-model of Myristoleic acid (14:1) (src)

Myristoleic acid, 14:1, is also known as tetradecenoic acid.

It’s a monounsaturated omega-5 fatty acid, which is quite uncommon in nature.

Myristoleic acid is biosynthesized from myristic acid.

Table of Contents

Myristoleic Acid Accumulates Fat

Myristoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid, also known as Omega-5. (source )

This fatty acid is known because it accumulates fat in the body. (source )

Myristoleic Acid Is Important

Myristoleic acid is the major unsaturated fatty acid in human milk and plays a crucial role in the growth and development of infants.

It is also an important component of the structure of some cell membranes, including those of platelets and the retina, and may have a role in the function of steroid hormones.

You can find research-backed benefits and side-effects of myristoleic acid in our article Myristoleic Acid (14:1): 2 Research-Backed Benefits & 2 Side-Effects .

Myristoleic Acid Is Not Common

Myristoleic acid is not that common in nature.

But it’s found in various meats and oils, from plants like nutmeg, palm oil, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. Also found in animal fats such as beef tallow and pork fat. (source )

Myristoleic Acid For Cardiovascular Health

Myristoleic acid is believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Epidemiological studies have revealed that the intake of myristoleic acid was inversely associated with cardiovascular diseases.

More research is needed on the subject.

Foods You Can Find Myristoleic Acid In

You find myristoleic acid mostly in american indian and alaska native food, dairy and egg, beef, and lamb, veal, and game products.

Examples of food sources include

Foods in our nutrition tool

You can find regularly updated, top ranked lists of foods for over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool.

If you are interested in what foods contain the most myristoleic acid, we recommend you visit our tool.

Here's our top ranked list of foods that contain Myristoleic Acid (14:1).

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.