Hexadecenoic Acid

Fatty-acidBest with a meal

What is it

Hexadecenoic acid is a 16-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid. The most common form is palmitoleic acid (cis-9-hexadecenoic acid, 16:1n-7), found in sea buckthorn oil, macadamia nut oil, and other plant and animal fats. It is studied for metabolic and lipid effects.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Lipid / metabolic markers

Mixed Evidence

Small studies of palmitoleic acid (often as sea buckthorn oil) suggest possible effects on triglycerides and CRP, but evidence is inconsistent.

How it works

Palmitoleic acid is endogenously produced by stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-1) and circulates as a 'lipokine' that may signal between adipose tissue and other organs. Some research suggests it influences insulin sensitivity, liver lipid metabolism, and inflammatory pathways. Clinical effects of supplemental palmitoleic acid are modest and not robustly established. Sea buckthorn oil and pomegranate seed oil are concentrated sources used in supplements.

Dosage

Typical sea buckthorn oil products provide 200-500 mg palmitoleic acid per serving. No formal RDA.

When and how to take it

Take with food (fat-containing meal) to enhance absorption.

1 commercial form

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

Sea buckthorn oil, macadamia oil

Concentrated palmitoleic acid (e.g., Provinal) is available as a standalone supplement.

Bioavailable as triglyceride; absorbed with dietary fats.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. High doses may cause GI upset. Sea buckthorn oil is GRAS as a food.

Who should be cautious

Limited safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding for concentrated supplements.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported at typical supplement doses.

Food sources

Sea buckthorn, macadamia nuts, animal fats

Amount
Variable
%DV
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Frequently asked questions

Is palmitoleic acid an omega fatty acid?⌄

Yes — it is an omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acid, distinct from omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fats.

References

Hexadecenoic Acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Hexadecenoic Acid (ChEBI:28716) — ChEBI link

Hexadecenoic Acid (PubChem CID 445638) — PubChem link

Hexadecenoic Acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Hexadecenoic Acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Hexadecenoic Acid with Pilora

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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.