Oleic Acid

Overview

Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid. It can be made by the body. It is also found in foods. Highest levels are found in olive oil and other edible oils.

Oleic acid is most commonly used for preventing heart disease and reducing cholesterol. It is also used for preventing cancer and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Don't confuse oleic acid with diets and oils containing oleic acid, such as the Mediterranean diet, olive oil, and canola oil or sunflower oil made to have higher levels of oleic acid. See separate listings for these topics.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Omega-9 fatty acid

Primary Functions:

Heart disease

Also Known As:

Cis-9-Octadecenoic Acid, (9Z)-Octadec-9-Enoic Acid, Octadec-9-Enoic Acid, Octadecenoic Acid

How Does It Work?

Oleic acid is a type of fatty acid. Oils with oleic acid are used to replace saturated fats in the diet. Oleic acid might improve heart conditions by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation.

Uses

  • Heart disease. Using cooking oils that provide about 20 grams (1.5 tablespoons) of oleic acid in place of dietary fats with higher amounts of saturated fat might reduce the risk of heart disease. But research is limited.
  • High cholesterol. Using cooking oils rich in oleic acid might help lower cholesterol. These oils include olive oil, some sunflower oils, and canola oil.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

  • For heart disease: Using cooking oils that provide 20 grams (1.5 tablespoons) of oleic acid per day in place of other saturated fats and oils has been used.
  • For high cholesterol: Cooking oils that contain high amounts of oleic acid in place of other saturated fats and oils has been used.

Oleic Acid Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is oleic acid good for you?

Olive Oil Is Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fats

But the predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, making up 73% of the total oil content. Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may even have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer

Which oils contain oleic acid?

Oleic acid makes up 55–80% of olive oil, 15–20% of grape seed oil and sea buckthorn oil (Li, 1999). In general, edible oils such as soybean oil, palm oil and corn oil contain about 10–40% oleic acid (Table 153.3). Among them, olive oil contains 75% oleic acid which is more than 5 times higher than safflower oil.

What foods are high in oleic acid?

Oleic acid can be found naturally in numerous food sources, including edible oils, meat (such as beef, chicken, and pork), cheese, nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, pasta, milk, olives, and avocados.

Where can I find oleic acid?

Oleic acid is a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable sources. Triglyceride esters of oleic acid comprise the majority of olive oil.

Is oleic acid bad for skin?

Monounsaturated omega-9 fats like the oleic acid listed above, are not healthy for our skin when applied topically. The major characteristic of a high-oleic oil is that it takes forever to absorb. ... This is a sign that the oil you're using is inflammatory, as oleic acid is detrimental to the skin's barrier function.

Which fruit has the most oleic acid?

Avocados

In fact, avocados are about 77% fat, by calories, making them even higher in fat than most animal foods (3). The main fatty acid is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid.

Is olive oil high in oleic acid?

Olive oil is generally higher in oleic acid than other vegetable fats. ... Our average oleic acid content is around 77%! Substituting oleic acid for saturated fatty acids in animal fats improves cholesterol balance. This is why monounsaturated fats are often regarded as “the good fats”.

Which oil has the most oleic acid?

olive oil

Oleic acid makes up 55–80% of olive oil, 15–20% of grape seed oil and sea buckthorn oil (Li, 1999). In general, edible oils such as soybean oil, palm oil and corn oil contain about 10–40% oleic acid (Table 153.3). Among them, olive oil contains 75% oleic acid which is more than 5 times higher than safflower oil.

What is the difference between oleic acid and elaidic acid?

Both unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and elaidic) exhibit Tms that are lower than that of saturated stearic acid. ... Therefore, at least by Tm analysis, although both elaidic and oleic acid have 18-carbons and a single Δ9 double bond, elaidic acid is more similar to the saturated stearic acid than it is to oleic acid.

Does oleic acid clog pores?

Oleic Acid

Rich in omega–9s (which are non-essential because the body can make them), oleic acids are best known for their hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, but they can be pore clogging for those with oily, acne-prone, or even combination skin.

What does oleic acid do for the body?

Improves Heart Health: By decreasing blood cholesterol levels and affecting insulin, blood pressure and blood vessels, oleic acid can help to prevent heart disease and other related heart conditions.

Is oleic acid a solid or liquid at 20 degrees Celsius?

Oleic acid is a solid with a low melting point; two crystalline forms (α-form, melting point 13.4 °C [56 °F], and β-form, melting point 16.3 °C [61 °F]) are known. It is a long-chain carboxylic acid; its molecule contains one double bond between C9 and C10 with the cis configuration.

What is the meaning of oleic acid?

Oleic acid is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is an odorless, colorless oil, although commercial samples may be yellowish. ... The name derives from the Latin word oleum, which means oil. It is the most common fatty acid in nature.

Is oleic acid toxic?

Toxicity Profile for Oleic acid (1986)

Oleic acid is a skin irritant in man and has produced eye irritation in the rabbit. It is of low acute toxicity, although high oral doses can impair the reproductive functions of female rats.

Is oleic acid edible?

Constituent Update. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that there is credible evidence to support a qualified health claim that consuming oleic acid in edible oils, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Is oleic acid a solid or liquid?

Oleic acid is a solid with a low melting point; two crystalline forms (α-form, melting point 13.4 °C [56 °F], and β-form, melting point 16.3 °C [61 °F]) are known. It is a long-chain carboxylic acid; its molecule contains one double bond between C9 and C10 with the cis configuration.

Why does oleic acid dissolve in ethanol but not water?

The alcohol dissolves in water but the oil does not dissolve in water leaving a thin film on the surface of the water. The hydrophobic end of an oleic acid molecule has the structure of a hydrocarbon. ... The hydrophilic end of an oleic acid molecule includes highly electronegative oxygen atoms and is asymmetrical.

Does oleic acid dissolve in water?

For Laboratory Use Only. Not for drug, household or other uses. Oleic acid is soluble in chloroform (50 mg/ml) yielding a clear, colorless solution. Oleic acid is practically insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, benzene, chloroform, ether, fixed and volatile oils.

Is oleic acid flammable?

GHS Storage and Disposal Phrases: H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.

Clinical Studies