Gadoleic acid

Fatty-acidBest with a meal

What is it

Gadoleic acid is a long-chain monounsaturated omega-11 fatty acid (20:1n-11) found primarily in marine fish oils. It is a minor component of fish oil supplements, typically reported on the fatty acid panel.

How it works

Gadoleic acid is incorporated into cell membrane phospholipids and can be elongated or further processed. It is not the bioactive target of fish oil supplementation; EPA and DHA carry the well-studied cardiovascular and neurological effects. Its presence on a fish oil label reflects the underlying oil's natural fatty acid profile rather than a specific functional ingredient.

Dosage

There is no established intake target. Gadoleic acid intake follows fish oil consumption and is typically a small percentage of total fatty acids.

When and how to take it

Take fish oil with a meal containing fat for best absorption.

1 commercial form

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Component of fish oil

Not sold as an isolated supplement; appears as a minor fatty acid in fish oil profiles.

Absorbed with other dietary fats.

Safety

No specific safety concerns at the small amounts typical of fish oil supplements.

Who should be cautious

Caution with high-dose fish oils applies to people on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders, but gadoleic acid alone does not introduce new concerns.

Interactions

No documented direct interactions; clinical considerations follow those of fish oil generally (anticoagulant effects at high doses).

Food sources

Cod liver oil

Amount
5 mL
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Should I look for gadoleic acid in fish oil?⌄

No. EPA and DHA content are the meaningful metrics for fish oil quality.

Is gadoleic acid essential?⌄

No. It is not classified as an essential fatty acid.

References

Gadoleic acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Gadoleic 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.