Omega-9 Fatty Acid

The omega-9 fatty acid is often found in omega 3 6 9 EFA (essential fatty acid) supplements. This is generally the only time that we hear of this fatty acid. However, omega 9 is not a true EFA, as it's produced in the body from omega-3 and omega-6. So, while omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs must be consumed in the diet (hence the EFA classification), omega 9 fatty acids are not necessary in the diet.

There are a total of five omega-9 fatty acids, and only one is used in the body nutritionally. Nutritional research is focused oleic acid for its health benefits.

1. Oleic Acid is a monounsaturated fat. Oleic acid may be found in olive oil, grape seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, other vegetable oils, and animal fats. If you're consuming olive oil in your diet, you may not an omega 3-6-9 supplement, as oleic acid makes up about 75% of olive oil.
2. Erucic Acid is a monunsaturated fat. Oils high in erucic acid come from wallflower seed, mustard seed and rapeseed. These oils are generally used commercially in paints and related products. Green plants, especially in the brassica family are also high in erucic acid.
3. Eicosenoic Acid is found in significant quantity in jojaba oil and in trace amounts in sesame oil, but lacks sources in nutritional research.
4. Mead Acid lacks sources in nutritional research.
5. Nervonic Acid has an interesting name, but also lacks sources in nutritional research.

The classification of omega-9 fatty acids is based on the location of the double carbon bond, which is at the ω-9 (omega-9) position. Because of the positioning of the double carbon bond, omega-9 fatty acids don't form eicosanoids. The double bond must be at the ω-6 or ω-6 position for eicosanoids to be formed.

Eicosanoids are the messenger hormones in the body responsible for controlling inflammation, maintaining immunity and controlling communication in the central nervous system. The reason that fish oil and essential fatty acids may be helpful in cases in infertility is because of the modulation and production of eicosanoids.

So, while omega 9 may be produced in our body or we may consume them in olive oil or broccoli, there doesn't seem to be any incentive for supplementing the diet with this fatty acid for either improved fertility or overall health. I feel that this fatty acid is used as an inexpensive filler in fatty acid supplements. When shopping for fish oil, it's most important to look at the amounts of EPA and DHA (the omega-3 fatty acids) in the bottle, as these are the true essential fatty acids that the body needs for optimal health.