Nervonic acid

Nervonic acid (Selacholeic acid) is a long chain unsaturated fatty acid that is enriched in sphingomyelin. It consists of choline, sphingosine, phosphoric acid, and fatty acid. Nervonic acid may enhance the brain functions and prevent demyelination (Chemical Land21) . Research shows that there is negative relationship between nervonic acid and obesity-related risk factors. Demyelination in adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is associated with an accumulation of very long chain saturated fatty acids stemming from a genetic defect in the peroxisomal beta oxidation system responsible for the chain shortening of these fatty acids. Sphingolipids from post mortem ALD brain have decreased levels of nervonic acid, 24:1 (n-9), and increased levels of stearic acid, 18:0.