Erucic Acid
A monounsaturated fat that oils are bred to reduce.
What is Erucic Acid?
Erucic acid is a long-chain monounsaturated (omega-9) fatty acid found naturally in rapeseed and mustard-seed oils. Because high intakes raised concerns in early studies, modern canola oil was specifically bred to be very low in erucic acid.
Health benefits of Erucic Acid
- A naturally occurring monounsaturated fat in brassica oils
- Of historical interest in the development of low-erucic canola oil
Top food sources of Erucic Acid
See full rankingTraditional rapeseed and mustard oils; only traces in modern canola oil. Values shown per 100 g.
Oil, mustard
41,175 mg
Fish oil, herring
20,613 mg
Spices, mustard seed, ground
9,355 mg
Fish oil, cod liver
7,328 mg
Oil, spotted seal (Alaska Native)
5,850 mg
Fish oil, sardine
5,589 mg
Fish, herring, Atlantic, pickled
5,166 mg
Oil, beluga, whale (Alaska Native)
3,520 mg
Fish oil, salmon
3,376 mg
Fish, halibut, greenland, cooked, dry heat
2,523 mg
Fish, mackerel, Atlantic, cooked, dry heat
2,498 mg
Fish, halibut, Greenland, raw
1,968 mg
How much Erucic Acid do you need?
There is no Daily Value; food regulations cap erucic acid in edible oils. Everyday canola oil contains only trace amounts.
Erucic Acid deficiency
There is no dietary requirement for erucic acid.
Can you have too much Erucic Acid?
High intakes have been linked to heart effects in animal studies, which is why food oils like canola are limited to very low erucic-acid levels by regulation.
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 Erucic Acid do?
Erucic acid is a long-chain monounsaturated (omega-9) fatty acid found naturally in rapeseed and mustard-seed oils. Because high intakes raised concerns in early studies, modern canola oil was specifically bred to be very low in erucic acid.
How much Erucic Acid do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value; food regulations cap erucic acid in edible oils. Everyday canola oil contains only trace amounts.
Which foods are highest in Erucic Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Oil, mustard, Fish oil, herring, Spices, mustard seed, ground, Fish oil, cod liver, Oil, spotted seal (Alaska Native).
What happens if I don't get enough Erucic Acid?
There is no dietary requirement for erucic acid.
Can you have too much Erucic Acid?
High intakes have been linked to heart effects in animal studies, which is why food oils like canola are limited to very low erucic-acid levels by regulation.