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

Lisette Marie

11. Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA)

Photo Credit: Getty Images @Yarnit

Eicosatrienoic acid is a less common 20-carbon fatty acid that has shown anti-inflammatory activity in some laboratory and small clinical settings. It appears in limited plant oils and in specialized formulations under research. Interest in ETA centers on its ability to modulate prostaglandin pathways in ways that can support joint comfort and skin health without broadly suppressing immune function.

12. Sciadonic Acid

Photo Credit: Getty Images @Yarnit

Sciadonic acid is a rare non-methylene-interrupted fatty acid found in certain conifer seed oils and select plants. Its unusual structure confers distinct membrane properties and it has shown bioactivity in preliminary studies related to inflammatory modulation. Because sciadonic acid is uncommon in most diets, the science is still early and practical dietary guidance focuses on diversity of healthy fats rather than single nutrient fixes.

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11. Eicosatrienoic Acid (ETA)

12. Sciadonic Acid

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