Icosanoic acid

Fatty-acid

What is it

Icosanoic acid, also called arachidic acid, is a 20-carbon saturated fatty acid found in small amounts in peanut oil, corn oil, and various seed oils.

How it works

As a long-chain saturated fatty acid, icosanoic acid is incorporated into membrane phospholipids and triglycerides and can be metabolized for energy through beta-oxidation. In supplement formulations it usually appears incidentally as part of a fatty acid profile rather than as a target compound. It has no recognized vitamin-like function and no specific bioactive role distinguishing it from other long-chain saturated fats.

Dosage

There is no established intake target. Typical Western diets supply small amounts incidentally. No supplement-specific dose is recommended, and the DSLD has no standardized median.

When and how to take it

Not relevant as a stand-alone supplement; typically consumed with other dietary fats.

1 commercial form

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

Free fatty acid in oils

Found as part of triglycerides in peanut, corn, and various seed oils.

Absorbed with other dietary fats

Safety

As a normal dietary fatty acid, icosanoic acid has no recognized toxicity at amounts found in food or supplements. As with other saturated fats, intake should be considered in the context of overall dietary saturated fat.

Who should be cautious

No specific caution beyond general guidance for managing total saturated fat intake.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Peanut oil

Amount
Trace (low percent of total fat)
%DV
—

Corn oil

Amount
Trace
%DV
—

Cocoa butter

Amount
Small amount
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is icosanoic acid the same as omega-3?⌄

No. It is a saturated 20-carbon fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are polyunsaturated.

Should I supplement it?⌄

There is no reason to supplement icosanoic acid on its own. It plays no unique nutritional role.

References

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

Research on Icosanoic 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.