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Eicosadienoic Acid

Also known as: Eicosadienoic acid, 20:2n-6 fatty acid, EDA, Eicosadienoic Acid

Overview

Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) with the chemical formula C20:2, meaning it has 20 carbons and 2 double bonds. It is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in trace amounts in certain plant oils and animal fats, though it is less abundant than other omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid or arachidonic acid. EDA is primarily studied for its potential role in lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways, but it is not a common dietary supplement ingredient. Research specifically on EDA is limited, with most clinical studies focusing on other omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids. The quality of evidence for EDA's effects in humans is low, with a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses. Most insights come from broader fatty acid research or preclinical models, indicating that its specific biological roles are not yet well-characterized.

Benefits

There is insufficient direct clinical evidence to quantify the benefits of Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) supplementation in humans. Unlike well-researched omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA or DHA, EDA has not been robustly studied in randomized controlled trials with adequate sample sizes and controls. While some preclinical studies suggest that omega-6 PUFAs like EDA may influence lipid profiles and inflammatory pathways, these effects are not well-characterized or confirmed in human populations. Consequently, no specific health benefits, conditions, or populations have been identified to benefit from EDA supplementation based on current scientific evidence. The effect sizes and clinical significance of EDA are not established due to the lack of direct human trials, and the time course for any potential effects remains unknown.

How it works

As an omega-6 fatty acid, Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) is hypothesized to be metabolized into longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and eicosanoids, which are signaling molecules that can modulate inflammatory responses and influence cell membrane fluidity. EDA is likely absorbed similarly to other dietary fatty acids, becoming incorporated into plasma lipids and cell membranes throughout the body. While it may interact with lipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling pathways, the specific mechanisms and pathways directly attributable to EDA remain poorly defined. No specific molecular targets have been conclusively identified for EDA, and its precise role in human physiology is still under investigation.

Side effects

No significant safety concerns have been reported in the literature for Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) at typical dietary levels. However, there is a substantial lack of clinical safety data specifically on EDA supplementation in humans. Consequently, common, uncommon, or rare side effects have not been documented. There are no reported drug interactions or established contraindications for EDA. Data regarding its safety in special populations, such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, are also unavailable. Due to the limited research, the overall safety profile of EDA as a supplement is largely uncharacterized, and caution is advised given the absence of comprehensive human safety trials.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose for Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) supplementation have not been established due to a lack of human clinical trials. There are no specific timing considerations for intake, nor are there form-specific recommendations available. Like other fatty acids, its absorption is likely enhanced when consumed with dietary fat. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its absorption or efficacy. Given the absence of robust research, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the use of EDA as a dietary supplement.

FAQs

Is Eicosadienoic Acid effective for inflammation or cardiovascular health?

There is no direct, high-quality clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) supplementation for inflammation or cardiovascular health. Research in these areas primarily focuses on other fatty acids like EPA and DHA.

Is it safe to take EDA supplements?

While no significant safety concerns have been reported for Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) at typical dietary levels, human supplementation studies are lacking. Therefore, the safety of taking EDA as a supplement is not well-established.

How does EDA compare to omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA have extensive evidence for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA), an omega-6 fatty acid, lacks such robust clinical data and is not comparable in terms of established health benefits.

Can EDA be obtained from diet?

Yes, Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) can be obtained in small amounts from certain plant oils and animal fats in the diet. However, it is less abundant than other common omega-6 fatty acids.

Research Sources

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.055654 – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the dose-dependent effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on atrial fibrillation risk. The study found a relationship between higher doses of omega-3s and increased risk of atrial fibrillation, but it did not include or analyze Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) specifically.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54535-x – This meta-analysis examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research provided insights into the anti-inflammatory potential of omega-3s but did not contain any data or analysis related to Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16311086/ – This meta-analysis focused on the effects of EPA and DHA, two prominent omega-3 fatty acids, on the incidence of arrhythmias. The study contributed to understanding the cardiovascular benefits of these specific omega-3s but did not include Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA) in its scope.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21975919/ – This meta-analysis investigated the impact of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, on lipid profiles. The findings provided evidence for the lipid-modulating effects of these omega-3s, but the research did not involve or discuss Eicosadienoic Acid (EDA).