Lignoceric Acid

Fatty-acid

What is it

Lignoceric acid is a very-long-chain saturated fatty acid (C24:0) found in small amounts in peanut oil, certain other plant oils, and as a component of complex lipids like sphingolipids and cerebrosides.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Structural role in myelin

Limited Evidence

Lignoceric acid is a normal component of nervous system lipids. Supplementing it has no established clinical benefit in healthy individuals.

How it works

Lignoceric acid is metabolized in peroxisomes via beta-oxidation. It is a component of sphingolipids and cerebrosides in nervous tissue myelin, so it is structurally important in the nervous system. Defects in peroxisomal metabolism (e.g., adrenoleukodystrophy/ALD, Zellweger syndrome) cause accumulation of lignoceric acid and other very-long-chain fatty acids in tissues, leading to neurological disease. In supplement contexts, lignoceric acid is not typically isolated; it appears as a minor component of various seed oils and natural fatty acid mixtures.

Dosage

No RDA or supplemental dose established. Average dietary intake is small (mg/day) and adequate from a normal diet.

When and how to take it

Not applicable as a discrete supplement.

1 commercial form

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

Natural component of plant oils

Not typically sold as a standalone supplement.

Absorbed as part of dietary fats.

Safety

Generally not consumed as an isolated supplement. As part of dietary fats, it poses no specific safety concern. In peroxisomal diseases, dietary VLCFA restriction may be recommended.

Who should be cautious

People with adrenoleukodystrophy or peroxisomal disorders should follow specialist guidance regarding VLCFA intake.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Peanut oil, mustard seed oil, woody/seed oils

Amount
Trace to small amounts
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is lignoceric acid harmful?⌄

Not at the levels found in normal diet. It only becomes harmful when peroxisomal metabolism is defective, as in adrenoleukodystrophy.

References

Lignoceric Acid on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Lignoceric Acid (ChEBI:28866) — ChEBI link

Lignoceric Acid (PubChem CID 11197) — PubChem link

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

Research on Lignoceric 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.