Arachidic acid

Fatty-acid

What is it

Arachidic acid (icosanoic acid, 20:0) is a long-chain saturated fatty acid found in peanut oil, corn oil, and various seed oils. It is named after the peanut (Arachis hypogaea).

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

No established supplemental benefit

Mixed Evidence

Arachidic acid has no established benefit as an isolated supplement. It appears on labels as a minor component of the fatty acid profile of various oils.

How it works

As a long-chain saturated fatty acid, arachidic acid is metabolized through standard beta-oxidation in mitochondria after being activated to acyl-CoA. It contributes to membrane phospholipids and triglyceride storage. It has no recognized essential function and no specific dietary requirement, and is typically present in small amounts in the diet.

Dosage

No RDA or recommended supplementation. Arachidic acid is present at low levels in many vegetable oils and is rarely supplemented as an isolated fatty acid.

When and how to take it

Consumed as part of dietary fats; no specific timing recommended.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Component of vegetable oils

Found naturally in peanut, corn, and other plant oils.

Absorbed with other dietary fats.

Safety

No specific safety concerns at dietary levels. As a saturated fatty acid, large intakes contribute to total saturated fat consumption, which is associated with cardiovascular risk when intake is high.

Who should be cautious

No specific cautions beyond general saturated-fat considerations for people managing cholesterol or cardiovascular risk.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Peanut oil, 1 tbsp

Amount
~0.2 g arachidic acid
%DV
—

Peanut butter, 2 tbsp

Amount
~0.1 g arachidic acid
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is arachidic acid the same as arachidonic acid?⌄

No. Arachidic acid is a saturated 20-carbon fatty acid (20:0). Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated 20-carbon fatty acid (20:4) with very different biological functions.

Do I need to supplement arachidic acid?⌄

No. It is not an essential fatty acid and is supplied in trace amounts through normal dietary fats.

References

Arachidic acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Arachidic acid (ChEBI:28822) — ChEBI link

Arachidic acid (PubChem CID 10467) — PubChem link

Arachidic acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Arachidic acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.