From the Guidelines
Arachidonic acid plays a crucial role in human health as an essential omega-6 fatty acid, serving as a precursor for the production of eicosanoids that regulate inflammation, immune function, and blood clotting, and its intake should be balanced with omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthier fatty acid balance. The body can synthesize arachidonic acid from linoleic acid, but it's also obtained directly from animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products 1. While arachidonic acid is necessary for normal physiological functions, excessive amounts may contribute to inflammatory conditions. The typical Western diet often contains adequate or even excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids including arachidonic acid, which is why some health professionals recommend balancing omega-6 intake with omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts 1. For those concerned about inflammatory conditions, reducing consumption of processed foods high in omega-6 fatty acids while increasing omega-3 intake may help maintain a healthier fatty acid balance. However, completely eliminating arachidonic acid is not recommended as it remains essential for proper cellular function, brain development, and overall health. Some key points to consider include:
- Arachidonic acid is a precursor to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) of inflammation, which help resolve inflammation and return to homeostasis 1
- Higher biomarker levels of arachidonic acid are linked to significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) 1
- Balancing omega-6 intake with omega-3 fatty acids is important to maintain a healthier fatty acid balance and reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions 1
- Reducing consumption of processed foods high in omega-6 fatty acids and increasing omega-3 intake may help maintain a healthier fatty acid balance 1
From the Research
Role of Arachidonic Acid in the Human Body
- Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays a crucial role in the human body, particularly in the inflammatory process 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- AA is released from cell membranes and metabolized into various eicosanoids, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, through distinct enzymatic pathways 2, 3, 4.
- These eicosanoids are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, cell differentiation, tissue development, and organ function 3, 6.
- AA metabolism is also implicated in the progression of diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes, and cancers 3.
Inflammatory Process
- The inflammatory process is a complex response that involves the release of AA and the subsequent formation of eicosanoids 2, 4, 5.
- Eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, have potent inflammatory properties and play a key role in the inflammatory response 2, 4, 6.
- The administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and other prostanoids, thereby reducing inflammation 2.
Regulation of AA Metabolism
- The regulation of AA metabolism is crucial in maintaining homeostasis and preventing excessive inflammation 4, 5.
- Various enzymes, including phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase, are involved in the metabolism of AA 2, 3, 4.
- Protein regulators, such as phospholipase-A2-activating protein and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein, also play a role in the regulation of AA metabolism 4.
Clinical Applications
- Interventions in AA metabolic pathways are effective ways to manage inflammatory-related diseases in the clinic 3.
- Inhibitors targeting enzymes related to AA metabolic pathways are an important area of drug discovery 3.
- Clinical studies have also explored the use of AA metabolic inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy 3.