30 Essential Fatty Acids

The 30 essential fatty acids described below are all found in one tiny capsule of Omega XL. No
other food, plant, or supplement contains all of these essential fatty acids in a single all-natural
source. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) have been scientifically proven to be necessary for overall
health and wellbeing.

1. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), along with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), comprise the two
most common essential Omega-3 fatty acid found in cold-water fatty fish and in fish oil
supplements. EPA is required for the production of a special group of substances in the
body called prostaglandins, which control blood clotting and other arterial functions.
EPA and DHA are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod),
anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of EPA
and DHA. Fish oil supplements typically contain 18% EPA and 12% DHA, though more
purified (i.e., higher in EPA and DHA) fish oil supplements are available. Fish do not
naturally produce EPA, but obtain it from the algae they consume. It is available to
humans from some non-animal sources (e.g., commercially, from microalgae).
Microalgae, and supplements derived from it, are excellent alternative sources of EPA
and other fatty acids, since fish often contain toxins due to pollution.

2. Palmitic acid (or hexadecanoic acid) is the most common saturated fatty acids found in
plants, animals and microorganisms. It is a major component of the oil from palm trees
(palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil). However, palmitic acid can also be found in
meats, cheeses, butter, and dairy products. Despite its wide distribution, it is generally
not present in fats in very large proportions. It usually forms less than 5% of the total
fatty acids, sometimes as much as 10% in common vegetal oils (peanut, soybean, corn,
coconut) and in marine-animal oils. Lard, tallow, cocoa butter palm oil contain 25 to 40%
of this component. Palmitic acid has been shown to alter the beta cells in the pancreas
that are responsible for the secretion of insulin, and to suppress the body's natural
appetite-suppressing signals from leptin and insulin - the key hormones involved in
weight regulation.

3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid it is found in cold-water

fatty fish and fish oil supplements, along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Vegetarian
sources of DHA come from seaweed. DHA is essential for the proper functioning of our
brains as adults, and for the development of our nervous system and visual abilities
during the first 6 months of life. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are part of a healthy
diet that helps bolster cardiac health. Our bodies naturally produce small amounts of
 DHA, but we must get the bulk of what we need from our diet or supplements. Cold-
water oceanic fish are rich in DHA. DHA is also commercially manufactured from
microalgae. DHA manufactured using microalgae is vegetarian. Some animals with
access to seafood make very little DHA through metabolism, but obtain it in the diet.
However, in strict herbivores, and carnivores that do not eat seafood, DHA is
manufactured internally from -linolenic acid, a shorter omega-3 fatty acid
manufactured by plants (and also occurring in animal products as obtained from plants).
Although -linolenic acid (ALA) does convert to DHA, the process is inefficient and very
limited even in healthy individuals. To obtain the benefits of DHA, consuming it directly
yields most effective results.

4. Palmitoleic acid - is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is a common constituent of the

triglycerides of human adipose tissue. It is found mainly in animal fats, particularly in
fish and marine mammals, and is also present in the seeds of plants of the Proteaceae
family (macadamia nuts). In contrast to a diet enriched with oleic acid, palmitoleic acid-
based diets raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lower high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol much like that of a saturated fatty acid, even when dietary
intake of cholesterol is maintained at a low level. Palmitoleic acid was shown in diabetic
mice to attenuate hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia by increasing insulin
sensitivity, in part owing to suppression of pro-inflammatory gene expressions and
improving hepatic lipid metabolism.

5. Stearic acid is the highest molecular weight saturated fatty acid occurring abundantly in
fats and oils. In epidemiologic and clinical studies stearic acid was associated with
lowered LDL cholesterol in comparison with other saturated fatty acids. It is the highest
molecular weight saturated fatty acid occurring abundantly in fats and oils. It occurs in
small quantities in seed and marine oils.

6. Milk fats (5-15%), lard (10%), tallow (15-30%), cocoa and shea butters (30-35%) are the
richest sources of stearic acid. It is the principal constituent of hydrogenated fats and
oils (about 90%). Stearic acid is a saturated fat that's mainly in animal products. It's also
in some plant foods like chocolate. It's very stable in storage and during frying. A
relatively large percentage of stearic acid consumed is converted to oleic acid (a
monounsaturated fat). Stearic acid is used to form margarines, shortenings, spreads,
and as a cream base for baked products. Even though stearic acid is a saturated fat,
studies have suggested that it has little effect on blood cholesterol levels, because such
a high proportion is converted to oleic acid.
7. Vaccenic acid is a naturally occurring trans fat found in the fat of ruminants and in dairy
products such as milk and yogurt. It is also the predominant 'trans-fat' in human milk. A
2008 study at the University of Alberta suggests that vaccenic acid feeding in laboratory
animals over 16 weeks resulted in lowered total cholesterol, lowered LDL cholesterol
(bad cholesterol) and lower triglyceride levels. The researchers are preparing to
conduct further research, including human clinical trials. It has been suggested that the
Oxidation of omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids on the skin surface, such as palmitoleic
acid and vaccenic acid, may be the cause of the phenomenon commonly known as old
person smell.

8. Linoleic acid is an omega 6 essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that forms the lipid
component of all cell membranes in our body. Its deficiency can result in symptoms such
as hair loss, dry hair, and poor wound healing. Linoleic acid belongs to one of the two
families of essential fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest for good
health, because the body requires them for various biological processes, but cannot
synthesize them from other food components. The word "linoleic" comes from the
Greek word linon (flax). Oleic means "of, relating to, or derived from oil or olive" or "of
or relating to oleic acid" because saturating the n-6 double bond produces oleic acid.
This fatty acid has also become highly popular in the industry of beauty products since it
is beneficial for the use on skin. Many researches suggest that the acid use on a human
skin helps in getting rid of lifelong problems such as acne. The acid is known to reduce
acne and is also said to have moisture retentive properties when it is carefully applied
on a human skin. Moreover, the acid is also anti-inflammatory.

9. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found naturally in many plant sources and in
animal products. It is an omega-9 fatty acid, and considered one of the healthier sources
of fat in the diet. Its commonly used as a replacement for animal fat sources that are
high in saturated fat. You may find various butter and egg substitutes made with high
levels of oleic acid. As a fat, oleic acid is one of the better ones to consume. As a
replacement for other saturated fats, it can lower total cholesterol level and raise levels
of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) while lowering low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), also
known as the bad cholesterol. Usually switching to oil high in oleic acid is not difficult
since there are numerous sources available. From a health standpoint, oleic acid exhibits
further benefits. It has been shown to improve cardiac health and promote the
production of antioxidants. One very interesting use of oleic acid is its use as an
ingredient in Lorenzo's oil, a medication developed to prevent onset of
adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a condition effecting only young boys that attacks the
myelin sheaths of the body, causing symptoms similar to those in multiple sclerosis.
 Though Lorenzo's oil does not cure the condition, it can delay onset or progression of
the disease in those who are not yet symptomatic. One of the chief sources of oleic acid
in foods is olive oil, perhaps one of the tastiest cooking oils. Canola and grapeseed oil
are also excellent choices when you are looking to supplement the diet with oleic acid,
since they are naturally high in this fat. In addition to being used as cooking oil, oleic
acid is part of a number of products. It is often used to make soap and is present in a
number of cosmetics.

10. Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the three major forms of the Omega 3 fatty acids
(DHA and EPA are the other two). Alpha linolenic acid is a major source of plant Omega
3 and large doses are present in a variety of vegetable oils. A rich natural source of ALA
is flaxseed oil. Omega 3 fatty acid such as alpha linolenic acid is a unique type of
polyunsaturated fatty acids. Studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid and the other
omega-3 fatty acids may help treat a variety of conditions. The evidence is strongest for
cardiac health and problems that contribute to cardio vascular conditions. Research has
also suggested a major neuroprotective effect of -linolenic acid in in vivo models of
certain neurological conditions. NOTE: Alpha-linolenic acid is not the same as alpha-
lipoic acid, an antioxidant that helps the body turn glucose into energy. Confusion can
arise because both alpha-linolenic acid and alpha-lipoic acid are both sometimes
abbreviated as ALA. Despite the positive attributes expounded for the category, and
omega-3s increasing presence in the marketplace, there is also confusing messaging
around the health effects of the specic omega-3s, in particular the physiological
signicance of ALA vs. sh-based EPA and DHA. Recent headlines have warned
consumers not to confuse the benefits of these omega-3s and have downplayed the
significance of ALA for health. However, ALA has an important role in reducing chronic
disease through conversion to EPA and DHA, as well as through its own unique
metabolic activities. Additionally, what many fail to understand is the critical need for
both plant- and sh-based omega-3s, especially considering the increasing
predominance of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. ALA is the true essential omega-3
fatty acid, because it is the parent fatty acid of the omega-3 family and must be
obtained from foods. ALAs essential nature is reflected in the federal governments
dietary recommendations. The current recommended Adequate Intake (AI), which
represents the average usual intake of a nutrient by healthy people, is based on ALA,
not EPA or DHA. Diets deficient in ALA result in impaired vision in monkeys, learning
deficits in rats and, in humans, very low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red
blood cells, as well as nervous system abnormalities such as numbness, weakness and
pain in the legs.
11. Arachidonic acid (AA) is the keystone essential fatty acid at the origin of the arachidonic
acid cascade, however, it is not an essential fatty acid. Arachidonic acid is necessary
for the repair and growth of skeletal muscle tissue. This role makes AA an important
dietary component in support of the anabolic process in muscle. Arachidonic acid is one
of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, and is present in similar quantities to DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid). The two account for approximately 20% of its fatty acid
content. Like DHA, neurological health is reliant upon sufficient levels of AA. Among
other things, AA helps to maintain hippocampal cell membrane fluidity. AA also
activates syntaxin-3 (STX-3), a protein involved in the growth and repair of neurons.
Arachidonic acid is also involved in early neurological development aiding in
development in infant brains. While AA is not an essential fat, it does become essential
if there is a deficiency in linoleic acid or if there is an inability to convert linoleic acid to
AA which is required by most mammals. Some mammals lack the ability to - or have a
very limited capacity to - convert linoleic acid into AA, making it an essential part of their
diet. Since little or no AA is found in common plants, such animals are obligate
carnivores; the cat is a common example. Arachidonic acid supplementation in daily
dosages of 1,000-1,500 mg for 50 days has been well tolerated during several clinical
studies, with no significant side effects reported. All common markers of health
including kidney and liver function, serum lipids, immunity and platelet aggregation
appear to be unaffected with this level and
duration of use. Furthermore, higher concentrations of AA in muscle tissue may be
correlated with improved insulin sensitivity. Arachidonic acid supplementation by
healthy adults appears to offer no toxicity or significant
safety risk. A scientific advisory from the American Heart Association has favorably
evaluated the health impact of dietary Omega-6 fats, including AA. The group does not
recommend limiting this EFA. In fact, the paper recommends that individuals follow a
diet that consists of at least 5-10% of calories coming from omega-6 fats, including AA.
Dietary AA is not a risk factor for heart disease, and may play a role in maintaining
optimal metabolism and reduced cardiac risk. It is, therefore, recommended to maintain
sufficient intake levels of both omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids for optimal
health.

12. Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that has been associated with
many of the same benefits as the other oils in the omega-3 fatty acid family and works
synergistically with them. Not a great deal is known about how DPA contributes to the
overall efficacy of Omega 3 due to the limited availability of the pure compound.
However, the available scientific literature suggests that DPA does have beneficial
health effects. Increased research is under way to gain a better understanding. We do
know that it needs both EPA and DHA to function, and is thought to be contributory
towards overall general health. Seal oil is quite high in DPA and some researchers feel
that it may be a contributing factor to the overall good cardiovascular health of the
Eskimos. The laboratory studies conducted using liver cells have shown that omega-3
DPA and EPA are inter-convertible in the liver cells; however, there was little evidence of
conversion of EPA and omega-3 DPA into DHA. This means omega-3 DPA can act as a
source of EPA. Similarly, in animals, omega-3 DPA can also form EPA. However it does
not appear to be readily metabolised to DHA, except in liver tissue. In addition to EPA
production (retro-conversion to EPA), omega-3 DPA is found in a number of different
tissues. Its specifically higher accumulation in heart and skeletal muscle and in kidneys
compared with EPA suggests that omega-3 DPA might have beneficial effects in these
tissues. Other Beneficial effects of omega-3 DPA include: Inhibition of
thrombosis/aggregation in platelets: Platelet aggregation is an early event in the
development of thrombosis and is initiated by thromboxin A 2 (TXA2). The results from a
study conducted in rabbit platelets showed that omega-3 DPA was the most potent
inhibitor of COX-1 activity (the enzyme involved in synthesis of TXA2), thus
inhibiting platelet aggregation most effectively. In a human whole blood study, omega-3
DPA was equally effective as EPA and DHA in inhibiting platelet aggregation in female
subjects, however, in male subjects only EPA inhibited
platelet aggregation. Greater wound-healing/ability: Endothelial cell migration and
proliferation are important processes in the control of wound-healing response of blood
vessels. Direct pretreatment of endothelial cells with omega-3 DPA resulted in a dose-
dependent increase in migration. Moreover, maximum stimulation of endothelial cell
migration by omega-3 DPA pretreatment was achieved at a concentration one-tenth of
that required for maximal stimulation by EPA pretreatment. Also, omega-3 DPA may
have a positive role in preventing angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) as omega-3
DPA pretreatment suppresses the bovine aortic endothelial cell tube-forming activity
induced by vascular endothelial growth factor. Alters expression of various genes: Very
few studies have looked at the effects of pure DPA on expression of genes. However, in
liver cells, omega-3 DPA has been shown to induce PPAR, which is involved in fat
oxidation, but EPA and DHA had a stronger and more consistent effects. Omega-3 DPA
reduces the expression of lipogenic genes in mice and liver cells. These genes are
involved in synthesis of fat in the body. The mice fed with omega-3 DPA have also
shown a reduction in liver triglyceride levels. Omega-3 DPA is involved in the reduction
of the expression of inflammatory genes such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) in cell
culture models. Inflammation in walls of blood vessels is thought to play a role in the
development of atherosclerotic plaques and thus lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The action of omega-3 DPA in reducing the expression of inflammatory genes suggests
 its beneficial role in CVD and many other inflammation associated complications
conditions including nervous system disease.

13. Heptadecanoic acid, or margaric acid is a colorless, crystalline, water-insoluble,

saturated fatty acid, resembling stearic acid, obtained from lichens or synthetically. It
occurs as a trace component of the fat and milk fat of ruminants, but it does not occur
in any natural animal or vegetable fat at concentrations over half a percent. Salts and
esters of heptadecanoic acid are called heptadecanoates. To get a clearer sense of
people's intake of fat from dairy and heart disease risk, researchers measure blood
levels of two biomarkers of milk fat. The substances, pentadecanoic acid and
heptadecanoic acid, indicate how much dairy fat a person has been eating. People with
the highest levels of milk
fat biomarkers, suggesting they consumed the most dairy fat, were actually at lower risk
of heart attack; for women, the risk was reduced by 26 percent, while for men risk was 9
percent lower.

14. Eicosatetraenoic acid, (ETA) is a Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in green-
lipped mussel and appears to act as dual inhibitor of arachidonic acid oxygenation by
both the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways. Eicosatetraenoic acid
is an eicosanoid present in marine lipids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in
marine lipids appear to have a cardiac protective effect. Human platelets metabolize
eicosatetraenoic acid primarily into eicosatetraenoic acids. The resulting eicosanoids are
a diverse family of molecules that have powerful effects on cell function. They are best
known as intercellular messengers, having autocrine and paracrine effects following
their secretion from the cells that synthesize them. ETA has also been shown to have an
anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the inflammatory pathways, similarly to other
non-steroidal ant-inflammatory drugs.

15. Arachidic acid, also called eicosanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 20-carbon
chain. It is found naturally in fish and vegetable oils - It is as a minor constituent of
peanut oil (1.1%1.7%) and corn oil (3%). It can also be formed by the hydrogenation of
arachidonic acid. Diets rich in saturated fatty acids, such as arachidic acid, are known to
increase serum low-density lipoproteins resulting in high blood cholesterol levels. Its
name derives from the Latin arachis peanut. It is used chiefly in the manufacture of
lubricants, plastics, detergents, photographic materials and waxes.

16. Elaidic acid is the major trans fat found in hydrogenated vegetable oils and occurs in
small amounts in caprine and bovine milk. (very roughly 0.1 % of the fatty acids) and
 some meats. It is the trans isomer of oleic acid. The name of the elaidinzation (a
chemical reaction that alters the orientation of double-bonds from cis- to trans-. It is
most often performed on fats and oils to increase both the melting point and the shelf
life without reducing the degree of unsaturation) reaction comes from elaidic acid.
Elaidic acid increases Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, which in turn
raises VLDL and lowers HDL cholesterol.

17. Linoelaidic acid is an omega-6 trans fatty acid and is the all-trans fatty acid homolog of
linoleic acid. Trans-fatty acids are generally not detected in raw food oils, but constitute
up to 25% of the unsaturated fat in partially hydrogenated oils. It is an essential fatty
acid in mammalian nutrition and is used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and cell
membranes.

18. Linolenic acid (gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, sometimes called gamoleic acid) is a fatty
acid found primarily in vegetable oils. It is sold as a dietary supplement for treating
problems with inflammation and auto-immune conditions. GLA is sometimes prescribed
in the belief that it has anti-inflammatory properties lacking some of the common side-
effects of other anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal medicine advocates recommend GLA
for autoimmune conditions and other inflammatory with noticeable results not
expected for months. GLA was first isolated from the seed oil of evening primrose. This
herbal plant was grown by Native Americans to treat swelling in the body. In the 17th
century, it was introduced to Europe and became a popular folk remedy, earning the
name king's cure-all. From GLA, the body forms dihomo--linolenic acid (DGLA). This is
one of the body's three sources of eicosanoids (along with AA and EPA.) DGLA is the
precursor of the prostaglandin PGH1, which in turn forms PGE1 and the thromboxane
TXA1. PGE1 has a role in regulation of immune system function and is used as the
medicine alprostadil. TXA1 modulates the pro-inflammatory properties of the
thromboxane TXA2. Unlike AA and EPA, DGLA cannot yield leukotrienes. However it can
inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes from AA. Although GLA is an n6
fatty acid, a type of acid that is, in general, pro-inflammatory, it has anti-inflammatory
properties.

19. Gadoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid related to oleic acid. It is a monounsaturated
fatty acid (FA) member of the sub-group called very long chain FA (from 20 carbon
atoms onwards); in purified form its melting point is at 23-23,5 C and boiling point at
170 C. It occurs as glycerol ester in fish (where it originates from dietary crustacean)
like cod, shark and ray or their liver oils, and vegetable oils like this from rapeseed. It
appears in high amount in jojoba oil, a known skin protectant.
20. Eicosadienoic acid (EDA) is a rare, naturally occurring n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid
(PUFA) found mainly in animal tissues. EDA is an elongated from of linoleic acid (LA), and
can also be metabolized to dihomo--linolenic acid (DGLA), arachidonic acid (AA), and
sciadonic acid (SCA). Although, the metabolism of EDA has been extensively studied,
there are few reports regarding how EDA might affect inflammatory processes.
Researchers have noted the differential effects of EDA on pro-inflammatory mediators
might attribute to the negative feedback mechanism associated with prolonged
inflammation. Furthermore, EDA was a weaker pro-inflammatory agent than LA, and not
as anti-inflammatory as SCA. A recent study shows that EDA can modulate the
metabolism of PUFA and alter the responsiveness of macrophages to inflammatory
stimulation.

21. Behenic acid (also docosanoic acid) is a normal carboxylic acid, the saturated fatty acid.
Commercially, behenic acid is often used to give hair conditioners and moisturizers their
smoothing properties. At 9%, it is a major component of Ben oil (or behen oil), which is
extracted from the seeds of the Ben-oil tree. Behenic acid is also present in some other
oils and oil-bearing plants, including rapeseed (canola) and peanut oil and skins. As a
dietary oil, docosanoic acid has poor bioavailability in humans, yet compared with oleic
acid, behenic acid significantly raises serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
concentrations.

22. Tricosanoic acid is found in different plant oils and extracts such as the Brazilian
peppertree, but it can also be produced in the human body. It has shown to be a hair
growth stimulant.

23. Nervonic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It is used in the treatment of
certain neurological conditions involving demyelination where there is a decreased level
of nervonic acid in sphingolipid (a class of lipids containing the organic aliphatic amino
alcohol sphingosine or a substance structurally similar to it). It was found by accident
when researching borage seed oil. Borage oil actually contains a small amount of this
special long chain fatty acid. Nervonic acid is an essential nutrient for the growth and
maintenance of the brain. It is highly recommended to pregnant and nursing women
and small children but can be beneficial to exercising adults as well. Nervonic acid is an

important ingredient in nervous cell membranes because it is vital in regulating the ion
channels and receptors. It plays a part in the biosynthesis of myelin (the
 white matter insulating the nerves- that allows the conduction of impulses from one
part of the body to another). Nervonic acid can regulate the function of brain cell
membranes and have a neuroprotective effect, which is important to hard training
individuals. Nervonic acid can enhance neuron firing thereby increasing mental focus
and maybe even muscle contraction (although this is just a theory right now).

24. Butyric acid is found in butter, parmesan cheese and as a product of anaerobic
fermentation (including in the colon and as body odor). Collectively, the studies suggest
that the cancer preventive benefits of butyrate depend in part on amount, time of
exposure, and the type of fat in the diet. Low carbohydrate diets are known to reduce
the amount of butyrate produced in the colon. It has an unpleasant smell and acrid
taste, with a sweetish aftertaste (similar to ether). It can be detected by mammals with
good scent detection abilities (such as dogs) at 10 ppb, whereas humans can detect it in
concentrations above 10 ppm. Fermented Kombucha "tea" includes butyric acid as a
result of the fermentation.

25. Caprylic acid is the common name for the eight-carbon saturated fatty acid known by
the systematic name octanoic acid. It is found naturally in the milk of various mammals,
and it is a minor constituent of coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is an oily liquid that is
minimally soluble in water with a slightly unpleasant rancid-like smell and taste.
Caprylic acid is used commercially in the production of esters used in perfumery and
also in the manufacture of dyes. Caprylic acid is also used in the treatment of some
bacterial nfections. Due to its relatively short chain length it has no difficulty in
penetrating fatty cell wall membranes, hence its effectiveness in combating certain
lipid-coated bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus and various species of
streptococcus. It is preferred by many doctors over the prescription drug Nystatin for
the control of Candida Albicans. The anti-fungal effect of caprylic acid has been
demonstrated in both clinical trials and in vitro studies. In the pH range of 2.5 - 8.5,
caprylic acid exhibits high fungicidal activity against yeasts, especially Candida Albicans.
The exact mechanism of fungicidal action of caprylic acid is not fully understood;
however, it is postulated that caprylic acid dissolves the cell membrane of yeast, causing
changes in fluidity and permeability that lead to membrane disaggregation. It is believed
that Candida migrate into the mucosal wall. Because of its excellent lipotrophic (fat
solubility) properties (which allow it to penetrate the mucosal cells), caprylic acid is also
believed to be effective against intramucosal Candida.

26. Capric acid is a 10-carbon fatty acid, is one of a series of similar fatty acids found
naturally in minor amounts in animal fats and milk and in certain plant oils, including
 palm and coconut oils. Capric acid is considered by many natural food proponents to be
an important contributor to good health, and for that reason, they recommend
consumption of foods containing this fatty acid, such as goat milk and coconut oil. Some
proponents also suggest capric acid may help balance insulin levels in humans and that
it helps counter insulin resistance. While capric acid is often described in medical
literature as part of the delivery system that helps diabetics absorb prescribed amounts
of insulin, it does not necessarily follow that adding foods rich in capric acid have a
direct impact on insulin levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies
capric acid as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). A toxicity profile in EPA documents
indicates no significant risks of systemic toxicity for humans, even at high dosage levels.
As this substance is found extensively in nature and there have been no indications of
adverse impacts on the environment, the EPA has required no environmental studies.

27. Undecanoic acid an unsaturated fatty acid extracted from castor bean oil, used for the
treatment of systemic candida. It is 6 times more potent than caprylic acid. Unlike other
candida treatments that only eradicate candida in the bowel undecanoic acid is
absorbed and treats it systemically also. Many people with candida have run down
immune systems and so are unable to fight of systemic candida with treatments that
target the bowels. It is also used topically, in ointment or powder form, as an antifungal
agent.

28. Lauric acid is believed to have antimicrobial properties. In vitro experiments have
suggested that some fatty acids including lauric acid could be a useful component in a
treatment for some sebaceous conditions, but no clinical trials have yet been conducted
to evaluate this potential benefit in humans. Lauric acid has been found to have a
positive effect on total high density lipoprotein (HDL) "good" cholesterol. As a result,
lauric acid actually has a more favorable effect on total HDL cholesterol than any other
fatty acid, either saturated or unsaturated. A lower total/HDL cholesterol ratio suggests a
decrease in atherosclerotic risk. Lauric acid is antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and a
COX-1-2 inhibitor. It frequently occurs in traditional medicinal remedies for benign
prostatic hyperplasia. In the body it can be converted into monolaurin. It is the main
acid in coconut oil and in palm kernel oil (not to be confused with palm oil), and is
believed to have antimicrobial properties. It is also found in human milk (6.2% of total
fat), cow's milk (2.9%), and goat's milk (3.1%). C18:3n4 an isomer of octadecatrienoic
acid is known to improve brain and visual nerve body mechanism.

29. Pentadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid rare in nature, being found at the level of
1.2% in the milk fat from cows, and in trace amounts from green-lipped mussels.
 Pentadecanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid are used by clinicians as biomarkers to
indicate how much dairy fat a person has been eating. People with the highest levels of
milk fat biomarkers, suggesting they consumed the most dairy fat, were actually at
lower risk of heart attack.

30. Myristic acid also called Lignoceric acid, (also known as Tetradecanoic acid ). is a
straight-chain fourteen-carbon saturated fatty acid. Named after the nutmeg Myristica
fragrans, it is most abundant in nutmeg butters, palm oils, coconut oils and milk fats. It
is present, however, at relatively low concentrations in animal tissue (typically 0.5-1% of
fatty acid weight) compared to its close structural cousins palmitic acid and stearic acid.
Myristic acid is easily absorbed by our skin and acts a lubricant and an anti-
inflammatory. It helps repair the skin barrier and increases moisture and
hydration. There is some evidence that myristic acid can help with flaky skin by
signaling skin cells when its time to stop growing. Many Americans consume very little
myristic acid because this fatty acid is found in coconut oil and dairy fats and most
people don't eat coconuts on a regular basis and some people avoid dairy foods.
Myristic acid is an important fatty acid, which the body uses to stabilize many different
proteins, including proteins used in the immune system.