What Is Pinolenic Acid?

Pinolenic is a type of fatty acid derived from pine nut oil. The uses and studies of this type of fatty acid are increasing, and pinolenic acid is now sold in supplement form.

Recent Significance

• The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published the results of a 2008 study of pinolenic acid's effect on weight loss. Researchers cited that its significance is due to the world's growing obesity epidemic, and a need for effective weight-loss supplements.

Sources

• Pinolenic acid is contained in the Korean Pine nut, as well as other coniferous seeds. Pine nut oil, specifically Siberian pine nut oil, contains a high percentage of pinolenic acid.

Fatty Acid Classification

• Polenic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and is more specifically classified in the small group of unsaturated polymethylene-interrupted fatty acids. It is often referred to as a "free fatty acid," meaning that this type of acid is not attached to other molecules.

Weight Loss

• The aforementioned 2008 study concluded that pine nut free fatty acids may act like appetite suppressants by increasing satiety-inducing hormones, and therefore leading to less food consumption. The NCBI reports that further studies are needed to confirm these effects and evaluate actual food intake and body weight.

Comparison

• The study published by NCBI confirmed that the fatty acids from pinolenic acid had the greatest ability to release the satient-inducing hormone to suppress appetite. The study also reported that Korean pine nuts were significantly more potent than other pine nuts concerning the substance responsible for releasing this hormone.

Other Uses

• Pinolenic acid has been used in pesticides, according to the Pesticide Action Network, which also reports no toxicity or hazardous risks for this type of fatty acid.