Myristic Acid
A saturated fat that most raises LDL cholesterol.
What is Myristic Acid?
Myristic acid is a fourteen-carbon saturated fatty acid found in dairy fat, coconut, palm and nutmeg (from which it takes its name). Gram for gram, it tends to raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol more than other common saturated fats.
Health benefits of Myristic Acid
- Provides energy and contributes to food texture
- Plays a role in attaching certain proteins inside cells
Top food sources of Myristic Acid
See full rankingButter and dairy fat, coconut and palm oils, and nutmeg. Values shown per 100 g.
Oil, nutmeg butter
82,600 mg
Oil, ucuhuba butter
63,400 mg
Spices, nutmeg, ground
22,830 mg
Oil, industrial, palm kernel, confection fat, uses similar to high quality cocoa butter
18,921 mg
Oil, coconut
16,800 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut, principal uses candy coatings, oil sprays, roasting nuts
16,760 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut, confection fat, typical basis for ice cream coatings
16,659 mg
Oil, industrial, coconut (hydrogenated), used for whipped toppings and coffee whiteners
16,411 mg
Vegetable oil, palm kernel
16,400 mg
Oil, industrial, palm kernel (hydrogenated), confection fat, intermediate grade product
16,205 mg
Oil, babassu
15,000 mg
Oil, industrial, palm kernel (hydrogenated), confection fat, uses similar to 95 degree hard butter
14,782 mg
How much Myristic Acid do you need?
There is no Daily Value. It counts toward saturated fat, best kept under about 10% of calories.
Myristic Acid deficiency
There is no dietary requirement for myristic acid.
Can you have too much Myristic Acid?
Of the everyday saturated fats, myristic acid raises LDL cholesterol the most, so the usual advice to limit saturated fat applies.
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 Myristic Acid do?
Myristic acid is a fourteen-carbon saturated fatty acid found in dairy fat, coconut, palm and nutmeg (from which it takes its name). Gram for gram, it tends to raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol more than other common saturated fats.
How much Myristic Acid do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. It counts toward saturated fat, best kept under about 10% of calories.
Which foods are highest in Myristic Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Oil, nutmeg butter, Oil, ucuhuba butter, Spices, nutmeg, ground, Oil, industrial, palm kernel, confection fat, uses similar to high quality cocoa butter, Oil, coconut.
What happens if I don't get enough Myristic Acid?
There is no dietary requirement for myristic acid.
Can you have too much Myristic Acid?
Of the everyday saturated fats, myristic acid raises LDL cholesterol the most, so the usual advice to limit saturated fat applies.