Arachidonic Acid
An omega-6 that drives key signaling molecules.
What is Arachidonic Acid?
Arachidonic acid is a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid the body makes from linoleic acid and also gets from animal foods. It is built into cell membranes and serves as the raw material for eicosanoids — signaling molecules central to inflammation, immunity and blood clotting.
Health benefits of Arachidonic Acid
- A building block of cell membranes, especially in the brain
- The precursor to eicosanoids that regulate immunity and repair
- Plays a role in muscle growth and tissue healing
- Important for infant growth and development
Top food sources of Arachidonic Acid
See full rankingMeat, poultry, eggs, fish and dairy; the body also makes it from linoleic acid. Values shown per 100 g.
Fish oil, sardine
1,756 mg
Oil, bearded seal (Oogruk) (Alaska Native)
1,343 mg
Fish, salmon, Atlantic, farmed, cooked, dry heat
1,273 mg
Fish oil, menhaden
1,169 mg
Fish oil, cod liver
935 mg
Lamb, variety meats and by-products, liver, cooked, pan-fried
900 mg
Egg, yolk, dried
837 mg
Beef, variety meats and by-products, pancreas, raw
800 mg
Beef, variety meats and by-products, pancreas, cooked, braised
740 mg
Chicken, heart, all classes, raw
720 mg
Oil, spotted seal (Alaska Native)
720 mg
Fish oil, salmon
675 mg
How much Arachidonic Acid do you need?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Most people get enough; the emphasis is on adequate omega-3 to balance it.
Arachidonic Acid deficiency
Deficiency is rare because the body makes arachidonic acid from linoleic acid; the usual focus is on balancing omega-6 with omega-3.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Arachidonic Acid do?
Arachidonic acid is a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid the body makes from linoleic acid and also gets from animal foods. It is built into cell membranes and serves as the raw material for eicosanoids — signaling molecules central to inflammation, immunity and blood clotting.
How much Arachidonic Acid do I need per day?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Most people get enough; the emphasis is on adequate omega-3 to balance it.
Which foods are highest in Arachidonic Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Fish oil, sardine, Oil, bearded seal (Oogruk) (Alaska Native), Fish, salmon, Atlantic, farmed, cooked, dry heat, Fish oil, menhaden, Fish oil, cod liver.
What happens if I don't get enough Arachidonic Acid?
Deficiency is rare because the body makes arachidonic acid from linoleic acid; the usual focus is on balancing omega-6 with omega-3.