Tetracosenoic Acid
Also known as: Nervonic acid, 15-tetracosenoic acid, Tetracosenoic acid
Overview
Tetracosenoic acid, commonly known as nervonic acid, is a 24-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid belonging to the omega-9 family of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs). It is naturally found in significant concentrations in brain white matter, where it is a crucial component of sphingolipids, which are essential for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath around nerve cells. Myelin is vital for efficient nerve signal conduction. Besides its presence in the brain, nervonic acid can also be sourced from certain seed oils, such as lunaria oil, and animal fats. Research into tetracosenoic acid primarily focuses on its potential role in neurological health, cognitive function, and its involvement in broader metabolic processes. While its importance in myelin biosynthesis is well-established, direct human intervention studies on tetracosenoic acid supplementation are limited, and most current evidence is observational or mechanistic, indicating an emerging but not yet mature research area.
Benefits
The evidence for direct clinical benefits of tetracosenoic acid supplementation in humans is currently very limited and inconclusive. One notable finding from a 2022 observational metabolomic study indicated a statistically significant inverse association between plasma 15-tetracosenoic acid levels and attention scores in humans. This suggests that higher levels of this fatty acid might correlate with lower attention performance (P = 9.36E-5; FDR = 0.012) after adjusting for confounding factors. While this association is statistically significant, it does not establish causality, meaning it's unclear if tetracosenoic acid directly impairs attention or if it's merely a marker of another underlying process. There is no high-quality randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence directly demonstrating clinical benefits or harms of tetracosenoic acid supplementation for any specific condition or population. Broader systematic reviews and meta-analyses on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) generally do not specifically analyze tetracosenoic acid, and those that do focus on other PUFAs (like omega-3s and omega-6s) often show little to no effect on outcomes such as type 2 diabetes prevention or treatment. Therefore, specific population benefits, effect sizes, and clinical significance for tetracosenoic acid supplementation remain largely unestablished.
How it works
Tetracosenoic acid primarily functions by being incorporated into sphingolipids, which are critical components of the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates nerve fibers, enabling rapid and efficient transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system. By contributing to the structural integrity and maintenance of myelin, tetracosenoic acid plays a vital role in nerve conduction and overall nervous system function, particularly in the brain's white matter. Its mechanism involves participation in sphingolipid metabolism pathways. As a long-chain fatty acid, it is absorbed in the intestine and then incorporated into plasma lipids, from where it can be utilized by various tissues, including the brain, for lipid synthesis. No direct receptor binding or specific molecular targets beyond its role in lipid biosynthesis have been reported.
Side effects
Based on current research, there are no direct safety concerns or documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects reported for tetracosenoic acid in human trials. As a naturally occurring fatty acid found in the human body and in various dietary sources, it is presumed to be safe at physiological levels. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications established for tetracosenoic acid. Data on its safety in special populations (e.g., pregnant women, children, individuals with specific medical conditions) are not available due to the lack of dedicated clinical trials on its supplementation. Overall, the safety profile appears benign given its natural occurrence, but comprehensive safety assessments from supplementation studies are lacking.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for tetracosenoic acid supplementation due to a significant lack of clinical trials evaluating its effects in humans. Research has primarily focused on its endogenous levels and associations with health markers rather than on the outcomes of exogenous supplementation. Therefore, specific recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes have not been determined. Similarly, upper limits or safety thresholds for supplemental intake have not been defined. Any potential form or absorption factors relevant to supplementation are also not established.
FAQs
Is tetracosenoic acid supplementation beneficial?
Currently, there is no randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence to support the benefits of tetracosenoic acid supplementation for cognitive function, metabolic health, or any other specific health outcome in humans.
Is tetracosenoic acid safe to consume?
As a naturally occurring fatty acid found in the human body and in dietary sources, tetracosenoic acid is presumed safe at typical dietary levels. However, its safety as a supplement has not been thoroughly evaluated in clinical trials.
How can I increase my tetracosenoic acid levels?
Tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid) can be obtained through dietary intake from sources like lunaria oil or certain animal fats. However, the clinical effects of increasing levels through diet or supplementation are currently unproven.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9288952/ – This observational metabolomic study investigated associations between plasma fatty acid levels and cognitive function. It found a statistically significant inverse association between plasma 15-tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid) levels and attention scores in humans, suggesting higher levels might correlate with lower attention performance. The study highlights a potential cognitive impact but, being observational, does not establish causality.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31434641/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examined the effects of increasing omega-3, omega-6, or total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. The study concluded that increasing these PUFAs had little to no effect on diabetes outcomes. While high quality, this review did not specifically analyze tetracosenoic acid, focusing on other common PUFAs.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-the-rs174575-single-nucleotide-polymorphism-in-fads2-on-levels-of-longchain-pufa-a-metaanalysis/C5F45158C7761F6B579F4DE2DD7A11FA – This meta-analysis investigated the impact of a specific genetic variant (rs174575 in FADS2) on levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). It confirmed that this genetic variant affects PUFA levels. While providing insights into genetic influences on PUFA metabolism, the study does not offer direct evidence regarding the clinical effects or safety of tetracosenoic acid supplementation.