Erucic acid

Fatty-acid

What is it

Erucic acid is a long-chain monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid (22:1n-9) found in seeds of the Brassicaceae family, including traditional rapeseed and mustard seed. It is most notable as a fatty acid intentionally minimized in modern canola breeding.

How it works

Erucic acid is part of Lorenzo's oil (a 4:1 mixture of glycerol trioleate and glycerol trierucate) used in adrenoleukodystrophy research, where it competes with very-long-chain fatty acid synthesis. In the general supplement market, erucic acid is typically a minor reported component of plant oils rather than a standalone supplement.

Dosage

No general intake target. Regulatory limits cap erucic acid in canola and rapeseed oils for food use (typically below 2% of total fatty acids). Lorenzo's oil dosing is a specialty medical use.

When and how to take it

Not applicable for supplement timing; included in oil and seed products as a minor component.

1 commercial form

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Component of mustard seed and rapeseed oils

Not typically sold as an isolate; appears in seed oil profiles.

Absorbed with dietary fats.

Safety

Historical concerns about cardiac lipidosis in rats led to canola breeding for low erucic content. Human dietary exposure at allowed levels is considered safe. High-dose erucic acid from non-low-erucic rapeseed oil is not recommended.

Who should be cautious

Standard cautions about avoiding high-erucic rapeseed oil apply, particularly for children. Pregnancy: no specific guidance beyond keeping intake within typical food levels.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported at typical dietary exposures.

Food sources

Mustard seed oil

Amount
1 tbsp
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is erucic acid harmful?⌄

Historical animal data raised concerns. Modern canola is bred for very low erucic acid; intake from common oils is within safe limits.

Why is erucic acid in supplements?⌄

It is usually a minor component of seed or oil-based supplements rather than an intended active.

References

Erucic acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Erucic 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.