Potential Benefits and Food Sources of Nervonic acid

Nervonic acid (24:1, n−9) is a fatty acid. It is a monounsaturated analog of lignoceric acid (24:0). It is also known as selacholeic acid and cis-15-tetracosenoic acid. Its name derives from the Latin word nervus, meaning nerve or sinew.It exists in nature as an elongation product of oleic acid. Its immediate precursor is erucic acid. Nervonic acid is particularly abundant in the white matter of animal brains and in peripheral nervous tissue where nervonyl sphingolipids are enriched in the myelin sheath of nerve fibers.This acid is among the group of cerebrosides, which are fatty acids of the glycosphingolipids group, which are components of muscles and the nervous system, accounting for approximately 40% of the total fatty acids in sphingolipids.

Potential benefits 

1. Promotion of Brain Health and Neurological Function

A study published in the journal "Experimental Cell Research" demonstrated that nervonic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health and improving neurological function. The research showed that nervonic acid enhances the growth and differentiation of brain cells, contributing to enhanced cognitive abilities and potentially aiding in the prevention or management of neurodegenerative diseases (Svennerholm et al., 1996).

2. Support for Optimal Cognitive Development

Research conducted by Martinez et al. and published in the journal "Lipids" emphasized the importance of nervonic acid in early cognitive development. The study suggested that nervonic acid, particularly from breast milk, positively influences the development of the brain's white matter, which is essential for optimal cognitive functioning in infants and young children (Martinez et al., 2016).

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Nervonic acid has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to its potential health benefits. A study published in the "sciencedirect" demonstrated that nervonic acid plays an essential role in prevention of metabolic diseases, and immune regulation, and has anti-inflammatory properties. As a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease, ulcerative colitis (UC) can affect the large intestine. The influences of NA on UC are largely unknown.ingredient for preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).These results suggested that NA could ameliorate the secretion of inflammatory factors, suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway, and protect the integrity of colon tissue, thereby having a novel role in prevention or treatment therapy for UC. This work for the first time indicated that NA might be a potential functional food ingredient for preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Food Sources of Nervonic Acid

Incorporating nervonic acid into your diet can be achieved by consuming foods rich in this fatty acid. Here are some excellent sources:

1. Oils: High-oleic sunflower oil and high-oleic safflower oil are known to contain significant amounts of nervonic acid.

2. Seafood: Certain varieties of fish, such as shark, provide nervonic acid. However, be mindful of the potential environmental impact and mercury content of some shark species. Consult local advisories for safe consumption guidelines.

3. Plant-Based Sources: Some plant-based sources of nervonic acid include seeds like chia seeds and flaxseeds. Additionally, nuts, such as macadamia nuts and pecans, contain measurable amounts of nervonic acid.

Nervonic acid, a beneficial omega-9 fatty acid, has shown promise in promoting brain health, supporting cognitive development, potentially aiding in demyelinating diseases, and possessing anti-inflammatory properties. While further research is needed to fully unlock its potential, adding nervonic acid-rich foods to your diet can be a nutritious way to incorporate this valuable fatty acid. As always, consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance on dietary choices.

 references and sources：

Svennerholm, L. “Distribution and fatty acid composition of phosphoglycerides in normal human brain.” Journal of lipid research vol. 9,5 (1968): 570-9.

Martinez, M. “Tissue levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids during early human development.” The Journal of pediatrics vol. 120,4 Pt 2 (1992): S129-38. doi:10.1016/s0022-3476(05)81247-8

Sheng-Nan Yuan, Mu-xuan Wang, Jin-Long Han, Cai-Yun Feng, Meng Wang, Min Wang, Jin-Yue Sun, Ning-yang Li, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Chao Liu, ‘’Improved colonic inflammation by nervonic acid via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway of DSS-induced colitis mice’’ Phytomedicine,Volume 112,2023,154702,ISSN 0944-7113

(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist before making any significant changes to your diet or treatment plan.)