Metabolic health
Mead acid (C20:3n-9)
Eicosatrienoic acid
Included in Complete.
Compare membershipsWhen your body runs short on essential fats.
Mead acid is an omega-9 fat your body makes from oleic acid, mainly when it's short on the essential fats linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which must come from food. It's normally present only in very small amounts.
It's a classic marker of essential fatty acid deficiency.
The enzymes that build long-chain fats normally work on omega-6 and omega-3 fats. When those run low, the same enzymes turn to oleic acid instead, and Mead acid builds up.
Essential fatty acid deficiency is uncommon. It's more likely with very low-fat diets, problems absorbing fat, malnutrition, or long-term intravenous feeding without enough fat. Mead acid is often read with arachidonic acid as the triene/tetraene ratio.
Questions
What does a higher Mead acid result mean?
It can point to low intake or poor absorption of essential fats. A clinician will look at it alongside your linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and triene/tetraene ratio, as well as your diet and health history.
Is a small amount of Mead acid normal?
Yes. Small amounts are found in healthy tissues. A clearly raised level, especially with low essential fats, is the pattern that suggests a deficiency worth discussing with a clinician.