Metabolic health
Eicosadienoic acid (C20:2n-6)
EDA
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsA small omega-6 that follows linoleic acid.
Eicosadienoic acid is a minor omega-6 fat (omega-6s are one family of polyunsaturated fats). Your body makes it by lengthening linoleic acid, the main omega-6 in food, and it makes up only a small share of your blood's fatty acids.
It tends to rise with linoleic acid intake.
In a controlled diet study, eating more linoleic acid raised blood eicosadienoic acid, while arachidonic acid stayed the same. Lab studies suggest small amounts can be converted into other omega-6 fats, including DGLA.
Most of what's known about its effects comes from laboratory studies, so it's best viewed as a research marker without an established target.
Questions
What can raise eicosadienoic acid?
It may reflect a diet rich in linoleic acid from vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It's most useful read with your linoleic acid and total omega-6 results.
Is it linked to inflammation?
Lab studies suggest it can influence inflammatory signalling, in some ways more weakly than linoleic acid. Whether this matters in people isn't known yet.