Is Erucic Acid Edible?

Counted from the tail, this mono-unsaturated fatty acid belongs to the family of n-9 (“omega-9”) fatty acids (Fig. 1). Consumption of food rich in erucic acid has been found to have negative effects on health and erucic acid has been classified a natural toxicant [1].

Is erucic acid harmful to humans?

High levels of erucic acid in food can impair health. The health-damaging effects of erucic acid include fatty degeneration of the heart (myocardial lipidosis), during which fats (lipids) accumulate in the heart tissue. This may result in reduced contractility of the heart muscle which may become weaker.

Is erucic acid healthy?

In small doses, erucic acid is safe, but higher levels may be dangerous. Research in animals indicates that, over long periods, erucic acid may cause a heart condition called myocardial lipidosis.