The nutritional supplement industry has taken notice of the class of modified lipids known as cetylated fatty acids (CFAs), commonly referred to as cetylated esterified fatty acids, because of the possible health advantages they may offer. In essence, CFAs are long-chain fatty acids that have had a cetyl group (a 16-carbon chain group) attached by an ester bond. Cetyl myristoleate, a substance having a cetyl group connected to myristoleic acid, is the most notable among them.
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The Nature of Cetylated Fatty Acids
Cetylated fatty acids (CFAs) belong to a separate group of dietary supplements. These fatty acids have undergone a unique change, the addition of a cetyl group, a long-chain saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms, turning them into these naturally occurring, bioactive molecules. CFAs differ from the unmodified fatty acids commonly present in dietary fats and oils due to this modification.
Cetyl myristoleate, a molecule in which myristoleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid) is esterified with cetyl alcohol, is a noteworthy member of the CFA family. The possible biological actions of other members of this group, including cetyl palmitate, cetyl oleate, cetyl laurate, and cetyl palmitoleate, have also drawn interest.
Health Benefits
CFAs, in particular cetyl myristoleate, have been studied for their medicinal potential in a number of medical disorders. Their putative anti-inflammatory qualities and potential use in treating autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses are of particular interest, satiating pain and working especially well for symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs.
CFAs have continued to show positive efficacy in treating arthritic symptoms in animal models. Modulation of immune responses and a decrease in inflammatory cytokines are two aspects of the proposed process. These results still need to be confirmed in a series of larger scale, human studies; however, a few human-oriented studies in the past 20 years have produced results in agreement with the animal-model experiment of osteoarthritis pain alleviation.
Furthermore, the fact that CFAs are lipophilic and may pass the blood-brain barrier raises the possibility that they have neuroprotective properties. Although several studies have provided suggestions about their possible use in treating neurodegenerative diseases, firm findings have not yet been reached.
The Chemistry of Cetylated Fatty Acids
Chemically speaking, CFAs are esters created when a fatty acid and cetyl alcohol combine. The hydroxyl group (-OH) of cetyl alcohol and the carboxyl group (-COOH) of a fatty acid interact during the esterification process to produce an ester (-COO-) bond. A water molecule (H2O) is released along with this process.
The fatty acids necessary for the synthesis of CFAs are typically unsaturated, meaning their carbon chains include one or more double bonds. For instance, myristoleic acid, also known as 9Z-tetradecenoic acid, is converted into cetyl myristoleate, which contains a single cis double bond at the ninth carbon from the omega end.
CFAs have lipophilic qualities due to their chemical makeup, which enables them to interact with lipid-based bodily structures including the lipid bilayer of cells. These interactions are thought to form the foundation for many of the health advantages ascribed to CFAs.
Physiological Mechanism
Cetyl myristoleate (Cetyl 9Z-tetradecenoate) is a cetylated fatty acid that is created chemically when a cetyl alcohol is esterified with a monounsaturated omega-5 fatty acid called myristoleic acid. This ester is converted into a lipophilic substance that interacts with the lipid bilayer of cells and affects how they operate.
CFAs are consumed, absorbed in the digestive system, and then moved into the circulation. Due to their lipophilic nature, they may pass the blood-brain barrier, possibly influencing your brain’s overall health. Research is currently ongoing to determine the precise mechanism through which CFAs produce their beneficial benefits. It is possible that CFAs affect signaling pathways, control inflammatory responses, and integrate into the cellular lipid bilayer, changing the fluidity and permeability of cell membranes.
Optimal Dosage
There is no defined daily intake for CFAs as of yet. Depending on the health issue being studied, different dosages, ranging from 100 mg to 3500 mg per day, are used in research investigations. On the other hand, it is often advised to start with a smaller dose and gradually raise it in accordance with personal tolerance and reaction.
Side Effects
In general, CFAs are well tolerated when ingested in moderation. On the other hand, overindulging may result in gastrointestinal discomfort including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Due to their impact on immunological responses, those with weakened immune systems or those using immunosuppressive medicines should use care. Cetylated fatty acids (CFAs), like any dietary supplements, have the potential to cause negative effects, especially when used in high doses or over a prolonged length of time. Although CFAs are typically well tolerated, it’s essential to remember that everyone reacts differently, and a moderate impact for some may be a severe reaction for others.
CFAs’ gastrointestinal side effects are the most often reported ones. People who use CFAs may develop symptoms including nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or stomach pain. As the body becomes used to the supplement, these side effects are often minor and tend to disappear independently with prolonged usage. It is advised to lower the dose or stop using the drug and seek medical advice if these adverse effects persist or become worse.
Although uncommon, allergic responses to CFAs are possible. Skin rash, itching, swelling, extreme dizziness, or problems breathing are all indications of an allergic response. Users should stop using and seek urgent medical care if these or any other unexpected symptoms appear.
Although CFAs have been shown to have immune-modulating effects, it is unclear how they would affect people who have immune system diseases or are receiving immunosuppressant medication. Therefore, before starting a CFA supplement program, anyone with immunological problems or those using immune-modulating drugs should use caution and talk to their doctor.
CFAs may also have an impact on liver function since they are metabolized in the liver, especially at large dosages or over an extended period of time. Even though severe liver-related adverse effects are rare, anybody with a history of liver disease should speak with a doctor before using CFAs.
Last but not least, it is advised that women in these phases speak with a healthcare professional before using CFAs or any other novel dietary supplement due to the little evidence on the safety of CFAs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Though CFAs are often accepted well, any adverse effects should not be disregarded. While using CFAs, any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional for assessment. CFAs should be taken sensibly and with a doctor’s supervision, just like any dietary supplement.
Potential Substance Interactions
CFAs may interact with immune-modulating drugs, boosting or decreasing their effects since they regulate immunological responses. Therefore, before beginning CFAs, those who are taking such drugs should speak with a healthcare professional.
Similar to this, since CFAs are metabolized in the liver, they could interact with drugs that are also processed there, which might impact the effectiveness or toxicity of those drugs. Therefore, it is advised that those who are taking such drugs see a doctor before using CFAs.
Responsible Use
Like any dietary supplement, the usage of CFAs should be seen as a component of a holistic health approach rather than a stand-alone therapy. Before beginning CFAs, consumers should take into account their unique health problems, possible dangers, and advantages. Importantly, if in doubt, especially when mixing CFAs with other drugs, always seek expert assistance.As a dietary supplement, CFAs have promise because of the possible health advantages they may provide. To completely understand their physiological processes, ideal dose, side effects, and possible combinations, further study is necessary. They should be taken sensibly, considering unique health circumstances and potential interactions with other drugs, until more clear information is available.
Cetylated Fatty Acids: Conclusion
CFAs have the power to provide efficient inflammation suppression, which can be especially helpful for those suffering from immense joint pain and autoimmune disease. As studies of the effect of CFAs on the human body continue to be conducted, we can expect that additional CFA-based treatments may arise over the coming years. Even with the anti-inflammatory benefits of CFAs, caution should be exercised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are looking toward these fatty acids as a method of rectifying postpartum arthritic symptoms. Consult with your doctor if you are interested in incorporating CFAs into your current lifestyle and would like to learn more about potential interactions and benefits.
References:
- Reviews. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-786/cetylated-fatty-acids
- Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis. Retrieved from: https://journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Fulltext/2002/08000/Cetylated_Fatty_Acids_Improve_Knee_Function_in.9.aspx
- Fatty acids, inflammation and intestinal health in pigs. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840115003840
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
