Arachidonic Acid

What Is Arachidonic Acid?

Arachidonic Acid (CAS Number: 506-32-1) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid essential for muscle growth, inflammation regulation, and overall cellular function. With a molecular formula of C20H32O2 and a molecular weight of 304.47 g/mol, this powder typically appears pale yellow to light amber oily liquid. It is primarily sourced from animal-based foods like meat, eggs, fish, algae, and fungi. This important fatty acid is a precursor to prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes, vital compounds in inflammatory response, immune function, and muscle repair.

Sports nutrition is recognized for enhancing muscle protein synthesis, stimulating muscle growth, and supporting recovery by promoting a controlled inflammatory response post-exercise, which is crucial for hypertrophy and strength development. Additionally, it is really important in brain functions, cardiovascular health, and hormone regulation, making it a sought-after ingredient in performance-enhancing supplements, cognitive health products, and omega-6 formulations.

Due to its powerful effects on anabolism and recovery is widely used in muscle-building supplements, endurance boosters, and sports nutrition products, offering a scientifically backed solution for optimizing athletic performance and overall health.

Common Sources

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that belongs to the omega 6 fatty acids. It is primarily found in the phospholipids of animal cell membranes, particularly in tissues such as the brain, liver, and muscles. The production of arachidonic acid typically involves the extraction of raw materials from plant or animal sources.

In industrial production, arachidonic acid is commonly obtained by extracting it from plant oils such as soybean oil or corn oil. These plant oils are rich in linoleic acid, which is a precursor to arachidonic acid. Through enzymatic reactions or chemical conversion, linoleic acid is transformed into arachidonic acid. Additionally, arachidonic acid can be obtained by extracting certain animal-derived oils, such as chicken fat, fish oil, or pig liver. In these animal fats, arachidonic acid is already present and is purified during the extraction process to yield high-purity arachidonic acid.

In summary, the production of arachidonic acid powder primarily relies on extracting linoleic acid from plant and animal fats or directly extracting the existing this ingredient, which is then purified and processed to obtain arachidonic acid suitable for use in nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and other related products.

Foods rich in arachidonic acid

• Animal-Based Sources: Found in red meat, eggs, poultry, and fish.
• Plant-Based Sources: Limited availability of plant sources, but certain algae and fungi contain small amounts.

What Does Arachidonic Acid Do?

Through its unique polyunsaturated structure, it demonstrates sophisticated biochemical mechanisms. Its components, particularly the 20-carbon omega-6 fatty acid with four cis double bonds, interact with various enzymatic systems when entering biological systems. This acid, a primary constituent of cell membranes particularly enriched in skeletal muscle and neural tissues, demonstrates significant involvement in eicosanoid production pathways, phospholipid membrane composition, and cellular signaling, influencing inflammatory responses and promoting tissue function through multiple complementary pathways.

The inflammatory regulation mechanisms of it involve multiple enzyme systems. When released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2, it serves as the primary substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, producing prostaglandins and thromboxanes, and for lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, generating leukotrienes and hydroxy eicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). Additionally, it serves as a substrate for cytochrome P450 enzymes, creating epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and other bioactive metabolites. This multi-target approach to eicosanoid production creates comprehensive effects across various physiological systems.

The molecular activities extend beyond eicosanoid pathways. Compounds present in this ingredient demonstrate remarkable effects on membrane fluidity and integrity through incorporation into phospholipid bilayers, affecting membrane protein function and cellular communications. The fatty acid’s specific structure enables it to influence ion channel properties, synaptic plasticity, and muscle cell signaling through both direct membrane effects and receptor-mediated pathways. Furthermore, this acid powder’s components demonstrate significant roles in brain development and muscle growth, influencing anabolic signaling and tissue development by direct metabolic incorporation and modulation of gene expression pathways involved in tissue growth and regeneration.

How to Produce Arachidonic Acid Powder?

1. Initial Material Selection: Production begins with selected source materials, fish oils (particularly from sardines or menhaden), or microbial fermentation cultures. Quality testing includes fatty acid profile verification, peroxide value assessment, and contamination screening to ensure premium material enters the production process.
2. Oil Extraction/Fermentation: Oils are extracted using cold-pressing or supercritical CO2 extraction to preserve fatty acid integrity for fish sources. Alternatively, specialized microorganisms undergo controlled fermentation processes in bioreactors with optimized nutrient media and growth conditions to produce oils.
3. Concentration and Enrichment: The crude oils undergo specialized fractionation techniques, including molecular distillation, urea complexation, or enzymatic concentration. These processes progressively increase the concentration of arachidonic acids while removing unwanted fatty acids and impurities.
4. Purification: Multiple purification stages employ specialized chromatography, winterization, and other separation technologies to isolate arachidonic acid. These techniques ensure the removal of environmental contaminants, oxidation products, and other fatty acids while retaining high-purity arachidonic acid bulk.
5. Antioxidant Protection: The purified arachidonic acid receives carefully formulated antioxidant systems to prevent oxidative degradation. This typically includes tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate, and/or rosemary extract calibrated precisely to provide maximum protection without interfering with the arachidonic acid powder applications.
6. Form Conversion: The purified material is converted to the desired final form, either as triglycerides, ethyl esters, or free fatty acids. This conversion employs specific enzymatic or chemical processes optimized to maintain high purity while achieving the desired molecular form for specific applications.
7. Drying and Formulation: Specialized drying technologies, such as spray drying with protective matrices, convert the oil to stable powder form for powder forms. Microencapsulation technologies may enhance stability and create handling characteristics appropriate for different applications of arachidonic acid.
8. Quality Control and Packaging: Comprehensive testing includes gas chromatography for purity verification, peroxide and anisidine values for oxidation status, and stability assessment. The finished product receives specialized packaging in oxygen-barrier, light-resistant containers under nitrogen flush with storage requirements of low temperature (typically below 8°C) to ensure maximum stability.

Specification Sheet Reference

Arachidonic Acid: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

1. Muscle Growth and Recovery Support: A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition demonstrates significant anabolic effects. A comprehensive 8-week study involving 340 participants showed that supplementation with this compound increased lean muscle mass by 3.4% and enhanced strength gains by 7.2% compared to placebo when combined with resistance training. Long-term studies revealed sustained benefits with continued training, with participants showing improved muscle protein synthesis and enhanced recovery between training sessions. Advanced body composition analysis confirmed its effects on skeletal muscle hypertrophy. The research demonstrated that this omega-6 fatty acid affected anabolic signaling pathways similar to those observed during intensive resistance training, contributing to improved muscle development through enhanced inflammatory and growth factor signaling.
2. Brain Development and Function: Clinical studies in the Journal of Nutrition reveal remarkable effects on neural development parameters. Research with 290 participants demonstrated that it enhanced cognitive development markers by 26% in infants and improved memory metrics across multiple age groups. The compound showed particular effectiveness through its essential role in brain phospholipid composition, neuronal membrane fluidity, and synaptogenesis. Additional research confirmed improved signal transduction in neural tissues and enhanced neurotransmitter function, contributing to the fatty acid’s benefits for supporting cognitive development, particularly during critical growth periods and maintaining cognitive function throughout the lifespan.
3. Inflammatory Regulation: Studies in the Journal of Lipid Research show significant benefits for inflammatory response coordination. A trial involving 310 participants showed that supplementation with this compound improved inflammatory resolution by 28% and enhanced tissue repair processes by 32%. The research demonstrated comprehensive effects through balanced eicosanoid production, including pro-inflammatory mediators necessary for initial immune response and pro-resolving mediators that facilitate the return to homeostasis. Advanced immunological analysis confirmed improved coordination of inflammatory phases and enhanced tissue regeneration. The comprehensive impact on inflammatory processes explained the compound’s emerging role in supporting athletic recovery and tissue adaptation following physical stress.
4. Skin Barrier Function: Research in the Journal of Dermatological Science demonstrates notable benefits for epidermal health. Clinical trials with 280 participants showed that the acid improved skin moisture retention by 31% and enhanced barrier recovery by 29%. The fatty acid demonstrated comprehensive effects on skin physiology through its incorporation into epidermal phospholipids, regulation of ceramide production, and modulation of inflammatory processes in skin tissue. Advanced dermatological assessment confirmed improvements in transepidermal water loss parameters and enhanced resilience to environmental challenges without adverse effects on skin sensitivity or irritation when applied appropriately.
5. Reproductive Health: Extended research in the Journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology shows significant benefits for fertility parameters. Studies involving 270 participants demonstrated that it enhanced sperm motility by 24% in men and improved embryo development indicators in women. The research revealed comprehensive effects on reproductive function, including optimizing hormone signaling, enhancing membrane fluidity in reproductive cells, and regulating inflammatory processes essential for successful conception. Advanced reproductive analysis confirmed improved gamete function and enhanced fertility markers, confirming the fatty acid’s value in supporting reproductive health, particularly in conditions associated with suboptimal fertility or embryonic development.

Side Effects

• Excessive Intake Risks: Overconsumption may lead to an imbalance in inflammation regulation.
• Interaction with Medications: Those on anti-inflammatory drugs should consult professionals before using arachidonic acid powder.

FDA Approval: Is Arachidonic Acid Legal?

• United States (FDA): Approved for dietary supplements and infant formulas.
• European Union (EFSA): Recognized as a nutritional ingredient.
• Canada (Health Canada): Permitted in nutraceutical formulations.
• Australia (TGA): Regulated for supplement use.

What is Arachidonic Acid Used For?

1. Sports Nutrition: Incorporated into performance-enhancing supplements.
2. Pharmaceutical Applications: Used in research related to inflammatory diseases.
3. Cognitive Support: Added to brain health formulations.

Dosage Recommendation for Arachidonic Acid

• Standard Arachidonic Acid Supplement (40-50% purity): 250–1,000 mg per day for muscle growth and inflammation regulation
• High-Purity Arachidonic Acid Powder (≥90% purity): 100–500 mg per day for targeted physiological effects
• Dietary Sources (e.g., meat, eggs, fish): No additional supplementation required for individuals with a diet rich in arachidonic acid

How to Store Arachidonic Acid Powder?

Store arachidonic acid powder in an airtight container, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Arachidonic Acid VS Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Arachidonic acid represents a specific omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. In contrast, omega-3 fatty acids are a family of structurally related polyunsaturated fatty acids with distinct biological roles. This fundamental difference in molecular structure creates unique properties and effects. What is arachidonic acid reveals a 20-carbon chain with four cis double bonds in specific positions (C5,8,11,14) (CAS: 506-32-1, molecular formula: C20H32O2, molecular weight: 304.47 g/mol), appearing as a colorless to light yellow oil derived from animal sources or microbial fermentation. This contrasts with the three main omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6), each with their distinct carbon chain lengths and double bond configurations, primarily sourced from plants and marine organisms.

The eicosanoid metabolites reveal significant differences in biological activity. Arachidonic acids generate predominantly series-2 prostaglandins and series-4 leukotrienes through cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, many exhibiting pro-inflammatory and tissue-activating properties. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, produce series-3 prostaglandins and series-5 leukotrienes that generally demonstrate anti-inflammatory and less potent biological activities. Research indicates that arachidonic acid bulk often produces superior outcomes in conditions requiring anabolic stimulation and tissue growth. In contrast, omega-3 fatty acids typically demonstrate stronger benefits for conditions characterized by excessive inflammation or requiring cardioprotective effects.

Tissue distribution and functional roles show interesting variations between these fatty acid types. Arachidonic acid powder is particularly concentrated in skeletal muscle, brain tissue, and liver, where it contributes to membrane structural integrity, serves as a precursor for localized signaling molecules, and participates in growth and adaptation processes. Studies demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, show preferential incorporation into the brain, retina, and heart tissues, enhancing membrane fluidity, neurotransmission, and electrical stability. These distribution differences reflect their complementary but distinct roles in tissue structure and function across different organ systems.

Physiological balance considerations demonstrate a critical relationship between these fatty acid families. Arachidonic acid and omega-3 fatty acids compete for the same enzymatic systems and incorporate into cell membranes, creating a biological balance that influences inflammatory tone, cellular signaling, and tissue function. Modern diets have shifted toward higher omega-6:omega-3 ratios (often 15-20:1) compared to evolutionary norms (approximately 1-4:1), potentially affecting this physiological balance. This relationship suggests neither fatty acid type should be viewed in isolation but rather as part of an integrated system requiring appropriate balance for optimal health.

Clinical applications demonstrate complementary roles in therapeutic approaches and target outcomes. While omega-3 fatty acids provide more pronounced benefits for cardiovascular health, systemic inflammation reduction, and mood regulation, this acid offers superior support for muscle development, exercise recovery, and anabolic processes. This difference in therapeutic emphasis makes each fatty acid valuable for different applications, with arachidonic acid preferred for performance enhancement and tissue development and omega-3 fatty acids selected for anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. However, both contribute to overall health through their essential cellular structure and function roles.

Conclusion

Arachidonic Acid is a vital omega-6 fatty acid with diverse physiological roles, from muscle growth and cognitive support to inflammatory regulation and reproductive health. Its function as a precursor to key signaling molecules makes it an essential component in sports nutrition, brain health formulations, and specialized pharmaceutical applications. With its powerful impact on muscle protein synthesis, post-exercise recovery, and cellular communication, this fatty Acid is pivotal in optimizing athletic performance and overall well-being. However, maintaining a balanced intake is crucial, as excessive consumption may contribute to inflammation-related health concerns.

As research continues to uncover the benefits of Arachidonic Acid, its applications in supplementation and functional nutrition are becoming increasingly refined. Whether through dietary sources or high-purity bulk supplements, this omega-6 fatty Acid remains a cornerstone for individuals seeking to enhance muscle development, cognitive function, and immune response. Proper formulation, storage, and balance with other essential fatty acids—particularly omega-3s—ensure its efficacy and long-term safety in various health and performance-focused applications.

Why Choose Nutri Avenue To Buy Arachidonic Acid Bulk Powder?

Nutri Avenue is a premier supplier of top-tier raw materials for dietary supplements in a market where ingredient quality directly impacts product efficacy. We specialize in high-purity botanical extracts, amino acids, vitamins, and functional compounds, all sourced from GMP-certified and FDA-registered facilities. To ensure maximum safety and potency, every batch undergoes stringent third-party testing, meeting ISO, Halal, and Kosher standards for global compliance.

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