Palmitoleic Acid Molecule - An Omega-7 fatty acid

It is present in all tissues, but generally found in higher concentrations in the liver. It is biosynthesized from palmitic acid by the action of the enzyme delta-9 desaturase.

Sources

Dietary sources of palmitoleic acid include a variety of animal oils, vegetable oils, and marine oils. Macadamia Nuts, Macadamia oil (Macadamia integrifolia) and sea buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides) are botanical sources with high concentrations, containing 17%[1] and 40%[2] of palmitoleic acid, respectively.

Breakdown product

A 2001 study proposed that omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid and vaccenic acid found on the skin surface, were oxidatively decomposed to 2-nonenal, which may be the cause of the phenomenon commonly known as 'old person smell', an odor apparently similar to the smell of old books.[3][4]

Potential dietary and biological effects

In a study examining the effects of diets high in various fatty acids, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad cholesterol") concentrations were similar with palmitoleic and palmitic acids and significantly higher than with oleic acid.[5] High density lipoprotein (HDL, "good cholesterol") was significantly lower with palmitoleic than with palmitic acid. The study provides evidence that, at least in males with high blood cholesterol, a modest increase in palmitic acid raises LDL cholesterol relative to oleic acid, even when dietary cholesterol is low. Palmitoleic acid behaves like a saturated and not a monounsaturated fatty acid in its effect on LDL cholesterol.

Other preliminary research indicated that palmitoleic acid could have a role as a signaling molecule affecting body weight.[6] This work is consistent with previous observations that palmitoleic acid, among other fatty acids available in the diet, may be used by enzymes affecting fat oxidation.[7] This work led to the possibility that oil types manufactured with high palmitoleic acid content may be useful in combating obesity, a report that received national media attention in Australia in 1995.[8]

Update on Research

Python hearts use the circulating lipids to fuel an increase in performance. The research, conducted in collaboration with multiple researchers at the University of Colorado working in the lab of Dr. Leslie Leinwand, identified three fatty acids, myristic acid, palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid, for their roles in the snakes' healthy heart growths following a meal. 

Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic found that by taking omega-7 for just 30 days, patients had a 44% reduction in  C-reactive protein (inflammatory) levels. [9]

Abstract: "...Adults with dyslipidemia and evidence of mild systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] between 2 and 5 mg/L) were randomly allocated to receive either 220.5 mg of cis-palmitoleic acid (n = 30) or an identical capsule with placebo (1000 mg of medium chain triglycerides, n = 30) once per day for 30 days. .." see full abstract.

Ongoing Clinical Trial for Omega 7

Patient Recruitment Dietary Omega-7 Palmitoleic Acid-Rich Oil on Lipoprotein Metabolism and Satiety in Adults Healthy Volunteers Needed

"...Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Omega-7 fatty acids are found in the oil extracted from certain fish and nuts like macadamia. Palmitoleic acid is one of the most common omega-7 fatty acids. Many studies suggest that this oil is good for heart health. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) want to find out more about these potential benefits..."

References