Beyond Omega-3s: 14 Rare Fats Your Brain and Joints Desperately Need

Lisette Marie

7. Arachidonic Acid (AA)

Photo Credit: Photo by Yarnit/Getty from @Yarnit

Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid concentrated in brain tissue and in most animal-sourced foods, including eggs and meats. It’s a precursor to a range of signaling molecules that participate in inflammation, immune responses, and synaptic plasticity. Because AA supports neurotransmission and synaptic remodeling, it plays a normal, necessary role in brain function even though some of its metabolites can be pro-inflammatory when out of balance.

8. Nervonic Acid

Photo Credit: Getty Images @Yarnit

Nervonic acid is a very-long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid found in myelin lipids and associated with nerve membrane composition. It’s present in small quantities in certain seed oils, including lunaria and some marine sources. Because myelin integrity matters for signal conduction, researchers are interested in nervonic acid for its potential role in myelin maintenance and repair.

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7. Arachidonic Acid (AA)

8. Nervonic Acid

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