Nervonic Acid
A monounsaturated fat built into nerve myelin.
What is Nervonic Acid?
Nervonic acid is a twenty-four-carbon omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid and an important component of the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells — which is how it got its name. It is being studied for brain and nervous-system health, and is found in certain seeds and in fish.
Health benefits of Nervonic Acid
- A structural fat in the myelin that insulates nerves
- Studied for possible roles in brain and nerve health
- A naturally occurring long-chain monounsaturated fat
Top food sources of Nervonic Acid
See full rankingFish, mustard and certain specialty seeds such as honesty (Lunaria) seed. Values shown per 100 g.
Spices, mustard seed, ground
644 mg
Oil, vegetable, Natreon canola, high stability, non trans, high oleic (70%)
145 mg
Margarine, 80% fat, tub, CANOLA HARVEST Soft Spread (canola, palm and palm kernel oils)
131 mg
Oil, spotted seal (Alaska Native)
130 mg
Fish, salmon, king, with skin, kippered, (Alaska Native)
110 mg
Oil, beluga, whale (Alaska Native)
100 mg
Fish, swordfish, cooked, dry heat
90 mg
Oil, bearded seal (Oogruk) (Alaska Native)
80 mg
Fish, swordfish, raw
75 mg
Fish, salmon, king (chinook), raw (Alaska Native)
70 mg
Seeds, flaxseed
64 mg
Mustard, prepared, yellow
62 mg
How much Nervonic Acid do you need?
There is no Daily Value. It is found in only a few foods and in specialty seed oils.
Nervonic Acid deficiency
There is no established dietary requirement; the body can make nervonic acid, and research into dietary effects is ongoing.
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 Nervonic Acid do?
Nervonic acid is a twenty-four-carbon omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid and an important component of the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells — which is how it got its name. It is being studied for brain and nervous-system health, and is found in certain seeds and in fish.
How much Nervonic Acid do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. It is found in only a few foods and in specialty seed oils.
Which foods are highest in Nervonic Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Spices, mustard seed, ground, Oil, vegetable, Natreon canola, high stability, non trans, high oleic (70%), Margarine, 80% fat, tub, CANOLA HARVEST Soft Spread (canola, palm and palm kernel oils), Oil, spotted seal (Alaska Native), Fish, salmon, king, with skin, kippered, (Alaska Native).
What happens if I don't get enough Nervonic Acid?
There is no established dietary requirement; the body can make nervonic acid, and research into dietary effects is ongoing.