Arachidonic Acid: When Inflammation Benefits. Arachidonic acid is a useful but dangerous muscle growth stimulant Products containing arachidonic acid

Cause of dermatitis. While doctors attribute skin irritation to allergic reactions, scientists from the University of Ilinois have found out the true cause of the disease. Arachidonic acid deficiency leads to it.

It is synthesized by the body from food. Enzymes are responsible for synthesis, and certain genes are responsible for their production. University specialists blocked them in the DNA of mice.

The rodents developed severe ulcerative dermatitis. Scientists have taken into account that arachidonic acid Available ready-made in a number of products. They were not given to mice during the experiment.

As soon as the arachidonic compound was introduced into the diet, the rodents recovered. This is how the myth about the body’s need for linoleic acid was dispelled. Previously, a beneficial influence was attributed to her. It turned out that the linoleic substance is only a resource for the synthesis of what is truly necessary for the body. We dedicate it to the latter.

Properties of arachidonic acid

Contained arachidonic acid in lard and a number of vegetable oils. Therefore, the connection is called bold. Arachidonic acid refers to unsaturated fatty acids.

These have at least 1 double bond between atoms. It makes the molecule mobile. Therefore, arachidonic fatty acid in its normal state it is liquid and oily.

Saturated compounds do not contain double bonds and, as practice shows, are harmful. However, only excess, which turns into fat, is harmful.

Plus saturated fats have high energy value. Bile is not required for the breakdown of compounds. The body does not waste resources, it only receives them.

Unsaturated arachidonic acid, on the contrary, burns fat and requires the body to spend money on its breakdown. These costs are colossal, since there are not 1, 2, but as many as 4 double bonds in the molecule of the heroine of the article. General arachidonic acid formula: - C 20 H 32 C 2.

Arachidonic acid formula

An even number of carbon atoms is a prerequisite for all fatty acids. Also, they all have a linear structure. This means that the carbon atoms are not locked into aromatic circles.

The heroine of the article belongs to the Omega-6 group; for some, the compound is indispensable. , For example, benefits of arachidonic acid derived exclusively from food.

Simpler, but his body suffers from an inability to produce a number of other unsaturated fats such as linolenic fat. The latter has a property that makes it similar to the heroine of the article. Both substances are unstable. Like linolenic acid, arachidonic acid is easily oxidized.

The body needs the compound mainly in its pure form. Anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol are obtained from this metabolism. These are signaling molecules. They are the ones who provide communication between the neurons from which the system is “woven”.

Preparation of arachidonic acid

The name of the acid is due to the fact that its hydrogenation leads to the formation of an arachidic compound - the basis of peanuts. Accordingly, dehydrogenation of nut oils can give the heroine of the article. However, this production method is unprofitable and costly.

Foods containing arachidonic acid

Basically, the heroine of the article is obtained using the microbiological method. It requires a glycerin-based substrate and Moriterella alpine mushrooms. The latter feed on alcohol. The product of the anaerobic reaction becomes arachidonic acid.

Harm microbiological production does not bear. The by-products of mushroom food glycerin are also useful to industrialists. A full report on the method for producing acid can be found on the website of the Scriabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms. The institution was opened under the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is here that the methodology was developed, therefore, it is actively used in.

Application of arachidonic acid

The heroine of the article was adopted in agriculture. mixed with herbicides. In them, the substance does not complement the toxic complex, but reduces its harmful effect on crops.

Arachidonic acid for plants in herbicides increases productivity by a quarter. This is the indicator for vegetable and cereal crops. In other words, the heroine of the article serves as a kind of fertilizer.

Arachidonic acid capsules

It minimizes the accumulation of poisons, both in fruits, plants and in the soil. Where do the harmful components of herbicides go? They decompose. For the decay reaction, arachidonic acid is an indispensable element.

About 10 years ago, interest what foods contain arachidonic acid contained shown by bodybuilders. They read the works of William Llewelyn. His articles are published in Body of Science Magazine.

William told the public about the participation of arachidonic acid in the synthesis of prostaglandins. They always have 20 carbon atoms. Prostaglandin called “PGE-2-alpha” provokes hypertrophy of muscle fibers.

By actively adding more than normal production by the body, bodybuilders quickly increase mass, and not fat. However, there is a measure of the arachidonic compound. Under normal conditions, the body needs 5 grams per day.

Active physical activity increases consumption, in particular because acid is responsible for muscle contraction and relaxation. More contractions - more consumption of arachidonic substance.

The body does not always have time to synthesize the required amount of arachidonic acid, especially in the absence of linoleic acid. Therefore, fitness supplements are used.

Although, some trainers note that it is more logical to focus on consuming products with linoleic acid. There is a lot of it in lamb, beef and meat. Dairy products, margarines, and vegetable oils are rich in the substance.

Chemical formula of arachidonic acid

If we look at where contains arachidonic acid, then this is cottage cheese. It contains 0.4 grams of compounds per 100 grams of product. We find the same amount in pink salmon and mackerel.

0.1 grams less in 20% sour cream. 0.2 grams of the compound is contained in 100 grams of beef tongue. In other products, the proportion of arachidonic acid is negligible.

Doctors have looked at arachidonic acid as a means of preventing and combating Alzheimer's disease. In the early stages, taking the heroine of the article blocks the development of the disease. It consists of memory loss.

It turns out that arachidonic acid stimulates mental activity. Athletes also take note of this. During active physical activity, the brain loses part of the nutrition it is entitled to, all resources are thrown into muscle work.

Taking the arachidonic compound corrects the situation, and with it the stereotype that all the bumps are small-minded. Apparently, the opinion had a scientific basis.

Doctors are interested in arachidonic acid and in the form of prostaglandins. One of their functions is to increase the lumen of blood vessels. Accordingly, the formation of blood clots can be avoided and blood pressure controlled.

However, there are a number of prostaglandins based on arachidonic compounds that improve blood clotting. This, on the contrary, leads to its thickening, the same blood clots.

The latter represent caked plaques stuck to the walls of blood vessels. If a blood clot breaks off, it begins to move through the channels and can reach the heart and cause it to stop. This is the potential harm of arachidonic acid, be it in abundance.

The last field of action of the arachidonic compound is cosmetology. Acid fights acne. Accordingly, the heroine of the article is added to acne products. The main thing is to store them in an opaque and airtight container. In the light, upon contact with oxygen, the active substance is destroyed, and with it the dreams of clear skin.

Arachidonic acid price

Buy arachidonic acid in a sports nutrition store, this means purchasing tablets or capsules. If there are about 20 of them in a package, you will pay about 3,000 rubles.

A beautiful body, apparently, requires financial sacrifice. It’s not for nothing that a stereotype has developed in the United States that people with an athletic build are wealthy, and fat people are poor. There is a social background to this.

With low income, people cannot spend money on fitness clubs, exercise equipment, natural and healthy food, and even nutritional supplements. Arachidonic acid in its pure form belongs to the latter, that is, it is not a medicine.

Herbicides based on the arachidonic compound are, as a rule, its alcohol solutions. In addition to poisons, they contain a number of antioxidants. Only now, the drugs are close to dietary supplements for bodybuilders.

For a 0.25 liter package of Voyage herbicide from Argo-03, for example, they ask for almost 2,000 rubles. There are herbicides for 32,000 rubles per kilogram, and there are also for 680.

However, products in the latest price category contain arachidonic acid rarely and in insufficient quantities. For 1 hectare of land, you need to spend 1 gram of the compound.

CH 3 (CH 2) 4 (CH=CHCH 2) 4 (CH 2) 2 COOH Physical properties Molar mass 304.4669 ± 0.0188 g/mol Density 0.922 g/cm³ Thermal properties T. melt. -49.5 °C T. kip. 169-171 °C T. vsp. 113 °C Chemical properties pK a 4,752 Classification Reg. CAS number 506-32-1 PubChem 444899 Reg. EINECS number 208-033-4 SMILES Data are based on standard conditions (25 °C, 100 kPa) unless otherwise stated.

Arachidonic acid- omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid. For some animals it is indispensable, for example for cats. The human body can independently synthesize it from the essential omega-6 unsaturated linoleic acid.

Properties

Arachidonic acid is a colorless oily liquid, easily oxidized by atmospheric oxygen.

Biochemical significance

As a lipid, arachidonic acid is present in the brain, liver, and milk fat of mammals. In adrenal phospholipids, arachidonic acid makes up about 20% of the total fatty acids. The plasma (outer) membrane of hepatocytes (liver cells) contains 11% of arachidonic acid, and the outer and inner membranes of hepatocyte mitochondria contain 15.7% and 18.5% of the total fatty acids, respectively. When hydrogenated, arachidonic acid forms arachidic acid, found in the oils of legumes, particularly peanuts. Arachidonic acid metabolites are endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors. The most important of these are the products of non-oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid, arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG). Both compounds function as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter and are endogenous cannabinoids.

Application in agriculture

Proposed and tested as an effective additive to chemical plant protection products against agricultural pests and weeds. When arachidonic acid is added to known herbicides in an amount of 0.1-20.0 mg/ha of planting or 0.5-10000.0 mg/t of seed material, a significant reduction in the inhibitory effect of various herbicide compositions on the development of agricultural plants and an increase in vegetable yields has been established. and grain crops by 25%, reducing the accumulation of toxic substances in plants and soil, and their migration. The rate of decomposition of toxic substances in plants increased by 2.2 times, and in soil by 1.9 times, compared with a similar preparation that did not contain arachidonic acid.

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Notes

Are common By structure Phospholipids Eicosanoids Fatty acid

Excerpt characterizing Arachidonic acid

While the Rostovs were dancing the sixth anglaise in the hall to the sounds of tired musicians out of tune, and tired waiters and cooks were preparing dinner, the sixth blow struck Count Bezukhy. The doctors declared that there was no hope of recovery; the patient was given silent confession and communion; They were making preparations for the unction, and in the house there was the bustle and anxiety of expectation, common at such moments. Outside the house, behind the gates, undertakers crowded, hiding from the approaching carriages, awaiting a rich order for the count's funeral. The Commander-in-Chief of Moscow, who constantly sent adjutants to inquire about the Count’s position, that evening himself came to say goodbye to the famous Catherine’s nobleman, Count Bezukhim.
The magnificent reception room was full. Everyone stood up respectfully when the commander-in-chief, having been alone with the patient for about half an hour, came out of there, slightly returning the bows and trying as quickly as possible to pass by the gazes of doctors, clergy and relatives fixed on him. Prince Vasily, who had lost weight and turned pale during these days, saw off the commander-in-chief and quietly repeated something to him several times.
Having seen off the commander-in-chief, Prince Vasily sat down alone on a chair in the hall, crossing his legs high, resting his elbow on his knee and closing his eyes with his hand. After sitting like this for some time, he stood up and with unusually hasty steps, looking around with frightened eyes, walked through the long corridor to the back half of the house, to the eldest princess.
Those in the dimly lit room spoke in an uneven whisper to each other and fell silent each time and, with eyes full of question and expectation, looked back at the door that led to the dying man’s chambers and made a faint sound when someone came out of it or entered it.
“The human limit,” said the old man, a clergyman, to the lady who sat down next to him and naively listened to him, “the limit has been set, but you cannot pass it.”
“I’m wondering if it’s too late to perform unction?” - adding the spiritual title, the lady asked, as if she had no opinion of her own on this matter.
“It’s a great sacrament, mother,” answered the clergyman, running his hand over his bald spot, along which ran several strands of combed, half-gray hair.
-Who is this? was the commander in chief himself? - they asked at the other end of the room. - What a youthful! ...
- And the seventh ten! What, they say, the count won’t find out? Wanted to congregate?
“I knew one thing: I had taken unction seven times.”
The second princess just left the patient’s room with tear-stained eyes and sat down next to Doctor Lorrain, who was sitting in a graceful pose under the portrait of Catherine, leaning his elbows on the table.
“Tres beau,” said the doctor, answering a question about the weather, “tres beau, princesse, et puis, a Moscou on se croit a la campagne.” [beautiful weather, princess, and then Moscow looks so much like a village.]
“N"est ce pas? [Isn’t that right?],” said the princess, sighing. “So can he drink?”
Lorren considered.
Did he take medicine?
- Yes.
The doctor looked at the breget.
- Take a glass of boiled water and put une pincee (he showed with his thin fingers what une pincee means) de cremortartari ... [a pinch of cremortartar ...]
“Listen, I didn’t drink,” the German doctor said to the adjutant, “so that after the third blow there was nothing left.”
– What a fresh man he was! the adjutant said. – And who will this wealth go to? he added in a whisper.
“There will be a okotnik,” the German answered, smiling.
Everyone looked back at the door: it creaked, and the second princess, having made the drink shown by Lorren, took it to the sick man. The German doctor approached Lorren.
- Maybe it will last until tomorrow morning? - asked the German, speaking bad French.
Lorren, pursing his lips, sternly and negatively waved his finger in front of his nose.
“Tonight, not later,” he said quietly, with a decent smile of self-satisfaction in the fact that he clearly knew how to understand and express the patient’s situation, and walked away.

Meanwhile, Prince Vasily opened the door to the princess’s room.
The room was dim; only two lamps were burning in front of the images, and there was a good smell of incense and flowers. The entire room was furnished with small furniture: wardrobes, cupboards, and tables. The white covers of a high down bed could be seen from behind the screens. The dog barked.
- Oh, is it you, mon cousin?
She stood up and straightened her hair, which had always, even now, been so unusually smooth, as if it had been made from one piece with her head and covered with varnish.
- What, did something happen? – she asked. “I’m already so scared.”
- Nothing, everything is the same; “I just came to talk to you, Katish, about business,” said the prince, wearily sitting down on the chair from which she had risen. “How did you warm it up, however,” he said, “well, sit here, causons.” [let's talk.]
– I was wondering if something had happened? - said the princess and with her unchanged, stone-stern expression on her face, she sat down opposite the prince, preparing to listen.
“I wanted to sleep, mon cousin, but I can’t.”
- Well, what, my dear? - said Prince Vasily, taking the princess’s hand and bending it downwards according to his habit.
It was clear that this “well, what” referred to many things that, without naming them, they both understood.
The princess, with her incongruously long legs, lean and straight waist, looked directly and dispassionately at the prince with her bulging gray eyes. She shook her head and sighed as she looked at the images. Her gesture could be explained both as an expression of sadness and devotion, and as an expression of fatigue and hope for a quick rest. Prince Vasily explained this gesture as an expression of fatigue.
“But for me,” he said, “do you think it’s easier?” Je suis ereinte, comme un cheval de poste; [I'm as tired as a post horse;] but still I need to talk to you, Katish, and very seriously.

What are the beneficial properties and contraindications of arachidonic acid, what products does it contain, and in what cases is it recommended for use? Read about it in our article.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids have an active effect on the human body, participate in most metabolic processes, normalize hormonal levels, stimulate the growth and development of muscle and bone tissue, and help in the prevention of many diseases.

Arachidonic acid: benefits and harms, biological role

• Arachidonic acid belongs to the group of omega-6 fatty acids and is widely known in the sports community, as it is part of highly effective complexes for people involved in intense training - bodybuilders, bodybuilders, weightlifters. It helps to quickly recover after strength exercises, increases endurance and muscle strength.
• Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid. This designation implies that the human body is capable of independently producing this substance in an amount insufficient to fully provide it. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate for the deficiency of acids from food or using complex nutritional supplements.
• Arachidonic acid is considered one of the most important of the omega-6 group. The highest concentration of this substance is observed in brain tissue, liver, intestines, and breast milk.

Beneficial properties of arachidonic acid

• Takes part in the process of building cell membranes of organs.
• Promotes the development and restoration of skeletal muscle tissue in childhood and adolescence during the period of active growth.
• Responsible for the production of prostaglandins - substances involved in protein metabolism and ensuring muscle elasticity and endurance. They regulate the contraction of muscle fibers and their further relaxation at the end of the load.
• Normalizes blood circulation, activity of the cardiovascular system, increases blood clotting.
• Stabilizes the functioning of the central nervous system.
• Responsible for ensuring proper functioning of the brain under heavy physical and psycho-emotional stress. Helps prevent the development of age-related diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease, and slows down the aging process.
• Participates in the functioning of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, helping to protect the walls of the stomach and intestines from the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid during the digestion of food.
• Helps suppress inflammatory processes in the body.
• It influences the restoration and regeneration of the skin.
• Along with other polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is part of vitamin F, the beneficial properties of which include strengthening bone tissue and immunity, and regulating cholesterol metabolism.
• Arachidonic acid preparations are used as a means to relieve severe muscle pain.

Taking arachidonic acid is recommended during intense physical activity.

Side effects and contraindications

Despite its many beneficial properties, there are also contraindications to taking arachidonic acid. The advisability of using complexes containing this substance should be agreed with the attending physician.

• Side effects from taking it can be fatigue, sleep disturbances, brittle nails and hair, increased cholesterol levels, arrhythmia, allergic reactions, and depression.
• In high concentrations it is a very toxic substance and can cause severe poisoning, even death.

In the following cases, taking this substance is prohibited:

• hypertension
• acute heart failure
• oncological formations
• bronchial asthma
• elevated cholesterol levels
• prostate pathology
• pregnancy and breastfeeding period

Monitoring of arachidonic acid levels should be carried out by a doctor

Cycle, exchange, metabolism, synthesis of polyunsaturated arachidonic acid in the human body

Biosynthesis

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid required in the body to be converted into arachidonic acid. This process occurs under the influence of certain enzymes.

Arachidonic acid can be synthesized as an anandamide catabolite or from the breakdown of cannabinoids.

Regulation

It should be noted that, according to research, with age there is a decrease in the level of arachidonic acid obtained from food in the human body and neurons (plasma membranes).

Diagram of arachidonic acid metabolism

Arachidonic acid metabolism disorder: body reaction, pseudo-allergy, treatment

Violation of the metabolic process of arachidonic acid leads to an allergic-type reaction of the body - pseudo-allergy.

• One of the main reasons is taking medications from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Among such analgesics, the largest number of reactions was noted in connection with taking aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
• Symptoms of the disorder can be different - skin manifestations, reactions from the respiratory system, conjunctivitis, Quincke's edema.
• The clinical picture of pseudoallergic conditions is similar to the development of allergic diseases. They are usually characterized by inflammatory processes, swelling, spasms of smooth muscles, and destruction of blood cells.
• The processes can occur locally and affect individual organs or systems of the body. They are diagnosed by the regular appearance of rhinitis, dermatitis, edema, headaches and joint pain, dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, and the development of signs of bronchial asthma.

Treatment of the patient consists of identifying and eliminating the cause that caused the pseudoallergic reaction and is carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

Pseudoallergy due to metabolic disorders

Where is arachidonic acid found, in what foods: table

The daily dose of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for an adult is 10 g, including 5 g of arachidonic acid.

The richest source is regular lard. Although proponents of a healthy lifestyle give a positive answer to the question of whether lard contains arachidonic acid, you should not try to gain omega-6 from this product alone. After all, to do this you will have to eat at least 250-300 g of fatty treats per day.

You can compensate for the deficiency of arachidonic acid by additionally including the following animal products in your diet:

• beef liver
• beef
• lamb kidneys
• chicken thigh
• chicken or turkey breast
• fatty fish - salmon, trout

Content of fatty acids in products

Many people mistakenly believe that fatty acids are “healthy fats” for the body. In fact, excessive consumption of high-fat animal products leads to significant weight gain due to increased fat cells. Therefore, regular physical activity is necessary to burn excess fat and aimed at developing and strengthening muscle tissue.

Video: Nutritionist Svetlana Kashitskaya: Lard, when consumed in small quantities, is a healthy product!

Arachidonic acid(English) arachidonic acid) is the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the human body. Common abbreviations and designations in different systems: ARC (eng. AA or ARA), 20:4ω6, 20:4n-6, 20:4Δ5,8,11,14.

Arachidonic acid is sometimes called “essential”, in other cases “semi-essential” for human physiology. Arachidonic acid is synthesized in the human body from the uniquely “essential” fatty acid - linoleic acid with the help of desaturase enzymes Δ5 and Δ6. However, some mammals cannot synthesize arachidonic acid and it is “essential” for them.

Essential compounds are compounds that are not synthesized in the human body and, therefore, must be present in food products consumed by humans.

Arachidonic acid - chemical substance

Arachidonic acid is a monobasic carboxylic acid with four isolated double bonds, is tetraenoic acid, systematic name is cis-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, chemical formula of the compound CH 3 -(CH 2) 4 -CH=CH-CH 2 - CH=CH-CH 2 -CH=CH-CH 2 -CH=CH-(CH 2) 3 -COOH. Arachidonic acid is a colorless oily liquid. The empirical formula of arachidonic acid is C 20 H 32 O 2.

Arachidonic acid belongs to the omega-6 (ω-6) family of unsaturated fatty acids, having a carbon-carbon double bond at the omega-6 position, between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms, counting from the methyl end of the fatty acid chain.

Arachidonic acid in human physiology

Arachidonic acid is part of the phospholipids of the cell membranes of platelets and endothelial cells. Free arachidonic acid is rapidly metabolized into prostaglandins and thromboxanes. The metabolism of arachidonic acid occurs in two main ways - cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. The cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism leads to the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2, while the lipoxygenase pathway leads to the formation of leukotrienes.

Prostaglandins and thromboxanes are formed from arachidonic acid under the influence of phospholipase A2 and with the participation of cyclooxygenase (COX) in endothelial cells, platelets and polymorphonuclear granulocytes. The formation of leukotrienes with the participation of lipoxygenase occurs in eosinophils, polymorphonuclear granulocytes and mast cells (Rakhimova O.Yu. et al.).

The role of arachidonic acid in the formation of the fetal cerebral cortex

Arachidonic acid, together with docosahexaenoic acid (long-chain fatty acids), are key building blocks of cell membranes in the brain and retina. Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids account for a total of 20% of the total fatty acid content in brain phospholipids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids affect signal transmission between nerve cells through synapses.

The child’s body should receive not only essential fatty acids, but also their derivatives, especially arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids. In the last trimester of pregnancy, increased uptake and transfer of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids occurs through the placenta to the fetus. Premature babies, whose development is interrupted prematurely, therefore receive insufficient long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during the prenatal period. Although infants' enzyme systems are capable of metabolizing essential fatty acids into long-chain fatty acids, the capacity of these systems may not be sufficient to meet the needs of infants in the first year of life, especially premature infants. The increased need for arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in children of the first year of life is due to the rapid growth of the brain, the weight of which increases 3 times in the first year of life.

Mother's breast milk, along with essential fatty acids - linoleic and linolenic, also contains arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid in amounts of 0.3–0.6% and 0.1–1.4%, respectively. At the same time, formulas for artificial feeding of both healthy full-term and premature infants traditionally contain only essential fatty acids and very small amounts of long-chain fatty acids. Autopsy data from children who died from accidental death syndrome indicate that the brain, red blood cells and phospholipids in the blood plasma of breastfed children contain more arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid than in babies receiving artificial nutrition. Therefore, it can be argued that arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids may be conditionally essential for children in the first year of life and especially for premature infants who are bottle-fed (Kon I.Ya. et al.).

Arachidonic acid in foods

Arachidonic acid is found in the following foods (percentage in fat, by weight, including as triglycerides):

• cod fat (muscle) - 1-4%
• whale oil - 0.6-5%
• salmon oil - 0.5-1%
• pork fat - 0.5%
• beef fat - 0.5%
• lamb fat - 0.5%
• chicken eggs - 0.5%
• seal oil - 0.4-12%
• herring fat - 0.3-1%
• milk fat - 0.1-1.7%
• Ghee cow butter - 0.09%

Vegetable oils contain virtually no arachidonic acid.

Arachidonic acid in human milk

The content of arachidonic acid in human milk in the early stages of lactation, in% of the total fatty acids by weight (Fateeva E.M., Mamonova L.G.):

• in colostrum - 0.3-0.4%
• in transition milk - 0.3-0.8%
• in mature milk - 0.1-0.2%

general information

Arachidonic acid is usually included in the so-called "

To classify a fatty acid as an essential fatty acid, a person must obtain it from food. Because our body cannot synthesize enough of this acid, it is forced to obtain it from supplements and food. It is for this reason that scientists nevertheless included this acid in the list of essential ones.

Biological role: benefit or harm

Most of the functions of arachidonic acid have already been studied, but some still remain a mystery. However, recent clinical studies have proven that this acid can prevent senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, she improves brain function, which is especially important during prolonged physical activity, as it depletes the body.

She participates in creation of prostaglandins. These substances support muscle function, making them more resilient and strong. They are responsible for the correct contraction of muscle fibers and their subsequent relaxation after the end of the load. This property of prostaglandins is important for every person, but it is especially important for athletes.

In addition, prostaglandins can form new blood vessels, control normal blood pressure levels and help reduce muscle inflammation. Without arachidonic acid, their synthesis will become impossible, so athletes will begin to suffer from constant muscle pain.

The fatty acid itself, in addition to the synthesis of prostaglandins, is involved in the formation protective mucus of the stomach and intestines.

It helps protect the walls of internal organs from being corroded by hydrochloric acid during food digestion. This additionally protects the athlete from diseases of the digestive system.

Recently, it has been proven that all fatty acids promote muscle fiber regeneration. Without these acids, the physical development of a child and adolescent becomes impossible, as the muscles begin to slow down their growth.

Indications for use

Arachidonic acid preparations should be prescribed as a means to combat severe muscle pain. They help repair damaged fibers and build new ones, which helps accelerate muscle growth. For this reason, this essential fatty acid is included in many mass gainers for bodybuilders.

This acid is in some cases used as a brain stimulant. It has been found that it affects the functioning of the central nervous system. It protects the brain and nerve cells from aging, which is important for athletes, because they want to be young for a long time.

Fat complexes are used to complement basic drug therapy in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines. They help restore the secretion of the mucous membranes of these internal organs, and also improve the production of components for gastric juice.

Instructions for use

To accelerate weight gain and increase strength, this acid should be taken in an amount of 500-1000 mg per day. Arachidonic acid is often included in bodybuilding supplements, but you should carefully read the instructions before using them. Most supplements do not contain a large enough amount of this fatty acid, so you can increase the dosage of the supplement yourself.

Where, in what, in what products is it contained?

Arachidonic essential fatty acid is found in large quantities in fatty foods. It can be obtained from pork, poultry and eggs. However, when consuming these foods, you need to carefully monitor your entire diet, as excess fat can lead to a rapid gain of excess fat.

Many athletes mistakenly believe that arachidonic acid is a “healthy fat.” In fact, it turns out that such fats simply do not exist. When consumed in excess, they all lead to obesity or simple weight gain due to fat cells.

Another source of acid can be nutritional supplements. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or powder. It is best to use the powder form as it is best absorbed by the human body. It is worth noting that all additives have a bitter aftertaste, so it is best to dilute the powder in orange juice.

You can get this fatty acid from the following sports supplements: Halodrol Liquigels from Gaspari, Animal Test and Natural Sterol Complex from Universal Nutrition, X-Factor from Molecular Nutrition and Hemodraulix from Axis Laboratory.

Contraindications

Arachidonic acid has a number of contraindications. It can stimulate labor, so it should not be included in the diet of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Also, this fatty acid is contraindicated in the presence of cancer, asthma, high cholesterol, heart disease, prostate enlargement and irritable bowel syndrome.

In any case, taking arachidonic acid supplements should be under the strict supervision of a specialist to avoid negative side effects.

Consequences

Arachidonic essential fatty acid has a positive effect on most of the athlete's internal organs. First of all, it improves brain function and promotes better blood clotting. It can speed up the recovery process of muscle fibers after training, and also promotes proper muscle contraction.

Unfortunately, this acid can have a negative effect on the human body. The source of this acid is fats, so if consumed in excess, there is a risk of increasing blood cholesterol levels. It can lead to heart problems and circulatory problems.

In high concentrations, arachidonic acid is toxic, so if the dose is exceeded at one time, fatal poisoning is possible. For the same reason, this acid should not be used unless prescribed by a specialist.

A slight overdose of arachidonic acid can manifest itself as insomnia, fatigue, brittle nails and hair, peeling skin, rashes and increased cholesterol levels. If such side effects occur, it is recommended that you stop taking supplements until your body returns to normal.

Conclusion

Arachidonic acid belongs to the essential fatty acids from the omega-6 group. They help muscles recover quickly after grueling workouts and increase their endurance and strength. Now these properties of arachidonic acid are used in many gainers for bodybuilders, since their body does not have time to recover on its own after a serious load. However, this acid must be taken with extreme caution, as an overdose can be fatal.