Behenic Acid
A very-long-chain saturated fat that is poorly absorbed.
What is Behenic Acid?
Behenic acid (docosanoic acid) is a twenty-two-carbon, very-long-chain saturated fatty acid found in peanut and rapeseed oils. Notably, the body absorbs it poorly, so it delivers fewer usable calories than most fats. Outside food, it is widely used in hair conditioners and cosmetics.
Health benefits of Behenic Acid
- Poorly absorbed, so it contributes fewer usable calories
- A natural component of peanut and some seed oils
Top food sources of Behenic Acid
See full rankingPeanut oil and peanuts, rapeseed oil, and some nuts and seeds. Values shown per 100 g.
Chocolate-flavored hazelnut spread
3,653 mg
Oil, peanut, salad or cooking
2,800 mg
USDA Commodity, Peanut Butter, smooth
1,730 mg
McDONALD'S, Peanuts (for Sundaes)
1,415 mg
Peanut butter, smooth style, with salt
1,400 mg
Peanut butter, smooth style, without salt
1,371 mg
Peanut butter with omega-3, creamy
1,329 mg
Peanuts, all types, oil-roasted, with salt
1,325 mg
Oil, sunflower, high oleic (70% and over)
1,000 mg
Oil, industrial, mid-oleic, sunflower
836 mg
Nuts, mixed nuts, oil roasted, with peanuts, without salt added
641 mg
Nuts, mixed nuts, oil roasted, with peanuts, with salt added
641 mg
How much Behenic Acid do you need?
There is no Daily Value. It is a minor dietary fat and counts toward total saturated fat.
Behenic Acid deficiency
There is no dietary requirement or recognized deficiency for behenic acid.
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.
Related nutrients
Frequently asked questions
What does Behenic Acid do?
Behenic acid (docosanoic acid) is a twenty-two-carbon, very-long-chain saturated fatty acid found in peanut and rapeseed oils. Notably, the body absorbs it poorly, so it delivers fewer usable calories than most fats. Outside food, it is widely used in hair conditioners and cosmetics.
How much Behenic Acid do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. It is a minor dietary fat and counts toward total saturated fat.
Which foods are highest in Behenic Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Chocolate-flavored hazelnut spread, Oil, peanut, salad or cooking, USDA Commodity, Peanut Butter, smooth, McDONALD'S, Peanuts (for Sundaes), Peanut butter, smooth style, with salt.
What happens if I don't get enough Behenic Acid?
There is no dietary requirement or recognized deficiency for behenic acid.