Palmitoleic acid, or (9Z)-hexadec-9-enoic acid, is an omega-7monounsaturatedfatty acid (16:1n-7) with the formula CH3(CH2)5CH=CH(CH2)7COOH. It is a rare component of fats.[1] It is a common constituent of the glycerides of human adipose tissue.[citation needed] It is present in all tissues but, in general, found in higher concentrations in the liver.
Animal and cell culture studies indicate that palmitoleic acid is anti-inflammatory, and improves insulin sensitivity in liver and skeletal muscles, but more studies are required to establish its actions in humans.[2] Many of the effects of palmitoleic acid are due to its activation of PPAR-alpha.[2]
Dietary sources
Palmitoleic acid is found in trace amounts in most foods except for sardine oil, which contains 15% of this acid as a component of triglycerides.[1]