Heptadecanoic acid

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Heptadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid that is commonly found in dairy products and some fish. It is also known as margaric acid and is a component of fat and oils.

Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]

Heptadecanoic acid has a chemical formula of C17H34O2. It is a long-chain fatty acid with 17 carbon atoms. The structure of heptadecanoic acid consists of a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end and a methyl group (-CH3) at the other end, with a chain of 15 methylene groups (-CH2-) in between.

Sources[edit | edit source]

Heptadecanoic acid is found in various food sources. It is present in significant amounts in dairy products such as butter, cheese, and milk. It is also found in some types of fish, including salmon and halibut.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

The health effects of heptadecanoic acid are not well-studied. However, some research suggests that it may have potential benefits for heart health. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher levels of heptadecanoic acid in the blood were associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Heptadecanoic acid Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD