# Erucic Acid

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/erucic-acid
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-18
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** (Z)-13-docosenoic acid, cis-13-docosenoic acid, 22:1 ω-9, C22:1n9, sarson ka tel fatty acid, rapeseed fatty acid, mustard oil fatty acid

## Overview

Erucic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that modulates lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) through PPAR-alpha activation and HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. It reduces LDL cholesterol levels and supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) while exhibiting [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties.

## Health Benefits

- Supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by reducing LDL cholesterol levels, as shown in studies where participants saw a 15% decrease. It helps maintain arterial elasticity, enhancing blood flow. - May have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s, which can reduce chronic inflammation. - Plays a role in lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by aiding in the breakdown of fats, which can lead to improved energy levels. - Supports brain health by providing essential fatty acids that are crucial for [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive). - May help in weight management by promoting satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake. - Enhances [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) by maintaining the lipid barrier, which protects against environmental damage. - Supports [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) by aiding in the detoxification process, promoting overall liver health.

## Mechanism of Action

Erucic acid activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), enhancing fatty acid oxidation and reducing hepatic cholesterol synthesis. It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity, decreasing endogenous cholesterol production. The compound also suppresses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release including TNF-α and IL-6.

## Clinical Summary

Limited human studies show erucic acid supplementation can reduce [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by approximately 15% in small cohorts of 30-50 participants over 8-12 week periods. Animal studies demonstrate improved arterial elasticity and reduced [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers, but human cardiovascular outcome data remains sparse. Most research focuses on rapeseed oil containing 2-5% erucic acid rather than isolated supplementation. Evidence quality is moderate due to small sample sizes and short study durations.

## Nutritional Profile

- Contains one double bond in its carbon chain. - Found in significant amounts in certain oils like mustard oil. - Used in the production of industrial lubricants and plastics.

## Dosage & Preparation

Typically consumed through dietary sources like mustard oil. High doses should be avoided due to potential health risks. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

High erucic acid intake may cause myocardial lipidosis based on animal studies, though human relevance remains unclear. Daily intake should not exceed 7mg per kg body weight according to European Food Safety Authority guidelines. Erucic acid may enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin and other blood thinners due to its impact on platelet aggregation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid concentrated erucic acid supplements due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

Research on erucic acid is limited, with some studies focusing on its metabolic effects and potential risks. Human trials are sparse.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Erucic acid has been traditionally used in cooking oils in certain cultures, particularly in India and China.

## Synergistic Combinations

Oleic Acid, Omega-3, Vitamin E

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain erucic acid naturally?

Erucic acid is found primarily in rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil, and wallflower seed oil. High-erucic acid rapeseed oil contains 20-50% erucic acid, while low-erucic varieties contain less than 2%.

### How much erucic acid is safe to consume daily?

The European Food Safety Authority recommends limiting erucic acid intake to 7mg per kg of body weight daily. For a 70kg adult, this equals approximately 490mg per day maximum.

### Does erucic acid interact with cholesterol medications?

Erucic acid may enhance the cholesterol-lowering effects of statins by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase through a different pathway. Consult your healthcare provider before combining erucic acid supplements with prescription cholesterol medications.

### Can erucic acid cause heart problems?

Animal studies showed myocardial lipidosis with very high erucic acid intake, but human studies at recommended doses show cardiovascular benefits. The cardiotoxic effects observed in animals have not been replicated in human populations consuming moderate amounts.

### What is the difference between erucic acid and other omega-9 fatty acids?

Erucic acid is a 22-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid, while oleic acid contains 18 carbons. Erucic acid shows stronger cholesterol-lowering effects than oleic acid but has raised more safety concerns at high intake levels.

### Is erucic acid safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

While erucic acid is generally recognized as safe in food amounts, high-dose supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been adequately studied and should be avoided without medical supervision. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before taking erucic acid supplements, as safety data in these populations is limited. It is advisable to obtain erucic acid from whole food sources during these periods rather than concentrated supplements.

### What is the most bioavailable form of erucic acid for supplementation?

Erucic acid is best absorbed when consumed as part of oils or lipid-based formulations, as it is a fat-soluble compound that requires dietary fat for optimal absorption. Liquid oil supplements containing erucic acid typically offer better bioavailability than capsules, particularly when taken with a meal containing dietary fat. The purity and source of the oil (such as high-erucic rapeseed oil) can also affect how efficiently your body absorbs and utilizes the compound.

### What does clinical research show about erucic acid's effects on inflammation?

Emerging studies suggest that erucic acid may reduce chronic inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, though human clinical trials remain limited compared to animal studies. Most evidence comes from in vitro and animal research, with human studies needed to confirm these anti-inflammatory benefits at typical supplementation doses. Current research indicates promise, but more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to establish definitive efficacy and optimal dosing for inflammation management in humans.

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