Arachidonic Acid

Description

Arachidonic Acid is a type of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (20:4w6) (20:4n6) that can either be manufactured endogenously or consumed via the diet.

Arachidonic Acid normally comprises less than 6.2% to 21% of total fasting Red Blood Cell Fatty Acids.

Health Benefits of Arachidonic Acid

Cardiovascular System

 Arachidonic Acid may facilitate recovery from (hemorrhagic) Stroke.  ^[1]

Cells

  Arachidonic Acid is an optional component of Cell Membranes (as an optional component of Phospholipids), comprising 33% of the Fatty Acids those Cell Membranes that it occupies- Arachidonic Acid continues to remain harmless while "trapped" within those Cell Membranes that it occupies.

Nervous System

  Arachidonic Acid concentrates in the Brain and is essential for the correct function of the Brain (however it must be present in the correct ratio with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) - many people have an imbalance (excess) of Arachidonic Acid and a deficiency of DHA in the Brain):  ^[2]

 Arachidonic Acid accounts for approximately 50% of the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids present in the Brain.

Sexual System

 Arachidonic Acid is a constituent of Sperm.

Arachidonic Acid may Enhance the Function of these Substances

Eicosanoids

 Arachidonic Acid is a precursor for the production of various Eicosanoids including:

  Series 2 Prostaglandins (importantly Prostaglandin E2)  ^[3]

  Series 2 Thromboxanes

  View Arachidonic Acid''s Role in Series 2 Eicosanoids Production

  Series 4 Leukotrienes(importantly Leukotriene B4)  ^[4]

  View Arachidonic Acid''s Participation in Series 4 Leukotriene Production

  Lipoxins

  View Arachidonic Acid''s Role in Lipoxins Production

Hormones

  Optimal (i.e. non-excessive, but non-deficient) levels of Arachidonic Acid may be required for the production of Testosterone.  ^[5]

Phospholipids

 Arachidonic Acid is an optional component of Phospholipids:

 Phosphatidylcholine

 Phosphatidylethanolamine

 Phosphatidylinositol

 Phosphatidylserine

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Arachidonic Acid

Enzymes

 Cyclooxygenase catalyzes the conversion of Arachidonic Acid to various Series 2 Prostaglandins.

 Delta-5 Desaturase catalyzes the conversion of Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid (DGLA) to Arachidonic Acid.

 Phospholipases catalyze the release of Arachidonic Acid from Cell Membrane lipids for utilization in the production of Eicosanoids:

       Phospholipase A2 catalyzes the release of Arachidonic Acid from Cell Membrane lipids for utilization in the production of Eicosanoids.

Lipids

  Arachidonic Acid is manufactured within the body (in addition to dietary sources) from other Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: