Palmitelaidic Acid

Palmitelaidic acid is a trans isomer of palmitoleic acid, a 16-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid with a double bond in the trans configuration at the 9th carbon position. 

This configuration imparts distinct physical and biological properties compared to its cis counterpart, leading to negative health effects associated with trans fats. 

Palmitelaidic acid is primarily found in small amounts in dairy products and ruminant fats, and is produced during the industrial hydrogenation of vegetable oils used in processed foods. 

Like other trans fats, it is absorbed in the small intestine, transported in the bloodstream, and incorporated into cell membranes, where it can disrupt cellular signaling, membrane dynamics, and increase inflammation. 

Higher levels of palmitelaidic acid are linked to systemic inflammation, increased cancer mortality, and a higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases due to its effects on lipid profiles, including raising LDL cholesterol and lowering HDL cholesterol. 

The World Health Organization recommends keeping trans fat intake to less than 1% of daily calorie intake to mitigate these health risks.

What is Palmitelaidic Acid? [7., 8.] 

Palmitelaidic acid is a trans isomer of palmitoleic acid. Structurally, it is a 16-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid with the double bond in the trans configuration at the 9th carbon position.

The trans configuration gives it different physical and potentially different biological properties compared to its cis counterpart.

As a trans-fat, palmitelaidic acid is associated with negative health effects.

Sources of Palmitelaidic Acid

Trans fats like palmitelaidic acid are not typically made in the body; instead, they come from dietary sources. 

Palmitelaidic acid may be found in small amounts in some dairy products and ruminant fats. [8.] 

It is also produced during industrial hydrogenation of vegetable oils which are destined for processed and ultra-processed foods. [7., 8.] 

Biochemistry of Palmitelaidic Acid

Like other trans fats, palmitelaidic acid can be absorbed in the small intestine and incorporated into lipoproteins for transport in the bloodstream.  

From there, it gets incorporated into cell membranes where it can alter cellular signaling, cell membrane dynamics, apoptosis, and inflammation. [9.] 

By increasing the inflammatory potential at the cellular level, trans fat consumption increases the overall inflammatory burden in the body, particularly in the cardiovascular system. [3., 9.]

Health Benefits of Palmitelaidic Acid as a Biomarker

There are no known health benefits of palmitelaidic acid. 

Diseases Associated with Palmitelaidic Acid

Palmitelaidic Acid and Inflammation [6.] 

Palmitelaidic acid, a trans-fatty acid (TFA), is linked to systemic inflammation in humans. 

A study analyzing data from the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) revealed that higher serum levels of TFAs, including palmitelaidic acid, are significantly associated with increased levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and fibrinogen, both markers of inflammation. 

This association remained strong even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race, education, marital status, body mass index, and smoking. 

The study highlights that TFAs, which are predominantly derived from dietary sources like industrially processed foods and partially hydrogenated oils, contribute to an unfavorable inflammatory profile, suggesting that reducing TFA intake may help prevent inflammation-related chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Palmitelaidic Acid and Cancer [4.] 

A cohort study based on the 1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) evaluated the association of plasma trans-fatty acids (TFAs) with mortality in 1456 participants. 

The study found that higher levels of palmitelaidic acid, a TFA subtype, were significantly associated with increased cancer mortality. [4.] 

Over an average follow-up of 11.0 years, the study reported 221 deaths, including 60 from cancer. 

The analysis showed a J-shaped relationship between palmitelaidic acid levels and cancer mortality, with the highest risk observed in the top quartile of palmitelaidic acid concentrations. [4.] 

This suggests that elevated palmitelaidic acid levels, primarily derived from dietary sources such as ruminant fat and hydrogenated oils, may contribute to higher cancer mortality.

Palmitelaidic Acid and Cardiometabolic Disease

As a trans fat, palmitelaidic acid may be associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease.

Consumption of trans fatty acids is associated with increased risk of CVD. TFAs increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and decrease HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), leading to an unfavorable lipid profile that promotes heart disease. [2.] 

What Foods Contain Trans Fats? [5.] 

Overwhelmingly, trans fats in the Western diet come from highly-processed foods. A smaller amount of trans fats are found naturally in certain animal products including some meats and dairy products.

Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils

• Used in many processed foods

• Major source of industrial trans fats

Baked Goods, Especially Shelf-Stable Baked Goods

• Cookies, cakes, pies, and crackers

• Often made with partially hydrogenated oils

Fried Foods

• French fries, fried chicken, and other deep-fried items

• Especially when fried in partially hydrogenated oils

Snack Foods

• Microwave popcorn

• Some potato and corn chips

Frozen Foods

• Frozen pizza

• Frozen dinners and breakfast items

Margarine and Shortening

• Especially stick margarine and some tub margarines

Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers

Some Fast Food Items

• Particularly fried items and baked goods

Some Refrigerated Dough Products

• Biscuits, cinnamon rolls, frozen pizza crusts

Ruminant Animal Products (natural trans fats)

• Dairy products (milk, butter, cheese)

• Beef and lamb

How Much Trans Fat Should I Eat Daily?

The World Health Organization recommends that less than 1% of an individual’s daily calorie intake come from trans fats. [11.] 

Lab Testing for Palmitelaidic Acid

Lab Test Information, Sample Collection and Preparation

Fatty acid levels are commonly tested in the blood. Sample collection may require a venipuncture, or a blood spot.

Fasting is required prior to sample collection. It is also important to consult with the ordering provider prior to sample collection, as certain supplements may need to be avoided prior to collection. Do not stop or alter medication use without consulting with a licensed medical provider.

Interpretation of Palmitelaidic Acid Levels

Optimal Levels of Palmitelaidic Acid

Fatty acid analysis is often done by examining palmitoleic acid levels as a % of total fatty acids present in the blood. 

There are no known or recognized health benefits associated with trans fats; therefore, optimal levels of these fats are very low, or undetectable. 

Lab companies have reported optimal levels of palmitelaidic acid as < 0.050% of total fatty acid content. [10.] 

Clinical Significance of Elevated Levels of Palmitelaidic Acid

Elevated levels of palmitelaidic acid are associated with an increased inflammatory state and increased risk of cardiometabolic illness and cancer.

Clinical Significance of Decreased Levels of Palmitelaidic Acid

Decreased levels of palmitelaidic acid are optimal. 

How to Support Healthy Fatty Acid Levels

Diet and lifestyle are foundational to healthy fatty acid levels in the body. 

Consume a Balanced Diet Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring 2-3 times per week

Add plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts

Limit Intake of Saturated and Trans Fats

Reduce consumption of processed foods, fried foods, and high-fat dairy products

Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy options

Increase Monounsaturated Fat Intake

Use olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds in cooking and as snacks

Maintain a Healthy Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio

Aim for a ratio of 4:1 or lower regarding your dietary intake

Reduce consumption of vegetable oils high in omega-6 (e.g., corn, soybean, sunflower)

Include Sources of Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

Incorporate coconut oil or MCT oil in moderation for gut health 

Consume Fiber-Rich Foods

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes

Stay Hydrated

Drink adequate water throughout the day

Exercise Regularly

Engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week

Include strength training exercises 2-3 times per week

Get Adequate Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night

Limit Alcohol Consumption

If you drink, do so in moderation (up to 1 drink per day for women, up to 2 for men)

Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

Smoking increases inflammation which has negative effects on overall health [1.] 

Consider Supplementation Under Medical Supervision

Fish oil or algae-based omega-3 supplements if dietary intake is insufficient

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Achieve and maintain a BMI within the healthy range (18.5-24.9)

Control Blood Sugar Levels

Follow a low-glycemic diet if prone to insulin resistance or diabetes

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