Omega-7 fatty acids and their effects

In the world of nutrition, there is constant talk about fats. While some, such as trans fats, rightly have a bad reputation, others, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are celebrated for their health benefits. Recently, however, a lesser-known but all the more fascinating group of fats has come to the forefront of scientific interest: omega-7 fatty acids. These monounsaturated fats, which the body can produce to a limited extent on its own but also ingest from the diet, are proving to be key players in the regulation of metabolism, inflammation and heart health.

Article Content:

• What exactly are Omega-7s and where can we find them?
• "Lipokine": The fat that talks to your organs
• Effect on heart and vascular health
• Other potential benefits.

What exactly are Omega-7s and where can we find them?

Omega-7 fatty acids belong to the monounsaturated fat family, which means they have one double bond in their chemical chain. The key to their name is the location of this bond - on the seventh carbon from the end of the chain (the omega end). The two most important and most studied representatives of this group are:

1. Palmitoleic acid (POA)
2. Vaccenic acid (VA)

Although the human body can synthesize palmitoleic acid from other, saturated palmitic acid, the main source remains the diet. Among the richest natural sources of palmitoleic acid are macadamia nuts and, in particular, sea buckthorn oil, which is exceptional in this respect. Vaccenic acid, on the other hand, is found mainly in milk fat (milk, cheese, butter) and in ruminant meat such as beef and lamb¹.

This dual origin - both from plant and animal sources and from the body's own synthesis - suggests that these molecules play a fundamental role in our biology.

"Lipokine": the fat that talks to your organs

One of the most groundbreaking discoveries is that palmitoleic acid (POA) behaves like a lipokine. That's the term for a fat molecule (lipid) that acts like a hormone - traveling through the bloodstream and relaying signals between different tissues and organs. Specifically, POA, produced by adipose tissue, has been found to send signals to the muscles and liver, thereby profoundly affecting their metabolism².

The main effect of this "fat hormone" is to improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance, a condition in which cells do not respond to insulin signals, is a key factor leading to the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Studies show that POA can counteract this negative condition. By "convincing" the muscles and liver to respond better to insulin, it helps the body process blood sugar more efficiently and maintain a healthy glycemia². This discovery puts omega-7 in a whole new light - it is not just a passive source of energy, but an active regulator of key metabolic processes.

Effect on heart and vascular health

Chronic low-grade inflammation and an unfavourable lipid profile (high 'bad' LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) are major risk factors for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. It is here that the additional strength of omega-7 fatty acids comes into play.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of several clinical trials in 2020 provided convincing evidence in this regard³. The researchers analysed the results of studies where participants received dietary supplements with purified palmitoleic acid. The conclusions were clear: supplementation led to a statistically significant reduction in blood triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat whose elevated levels are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

In addition, the study showed a significant decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation in the body. Reducing chronic inflammation is essential for protecting the blood vessel wall from damage and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Although the effect on LDL and HDL cholesterol levels was not as clear in this pooled analysis, individual studies suggest the potential for modest reductions in "bad" LDL and increases in "good" HDL cholesterol¹, ³.

These effects - lowering triglycerides and suppressing inflammation - make omega-7 fatty acids a very promising ally in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Other potential benefits: skin and mucous membranes

In addition to internal metabolic effects, omega-7s, especially those from sea buckthorn oil, have traditionally been associated with skin and mucosal health. Palmitoleic acid is a natural component of skin lipids and plays a role in maintaining skin hydration and regeneration. Supplementation with omega-7 rich oil is therefore being investigated as a possible aid in the treatment of conditions such as dry eye syndrome, vaginal dryness or atopic eczema. It is thought that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-7s, combined with their ability to support cell membrane health, may contribute to the alleviation of these conditions¹.

Conclusion.

Omega-7 fatty acids, long in the shadow of their more famous counterparts, are proving to be molecules with extraordinary biological potential. Their ability to act as signalling molecules (lipokines), improve insulin sensitivity, lower triglyceride levels and suppress systemic inflammation make them key players in the prevention and potentially treatment of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

While research is still ongoing and more large-scale human clinical trials are needed, the current evidence is more than promising. Whether we get them from a handful of macadamia nuts, a teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil or quality dairy products, incorporating omega-7-rich foods into our diets seems like a wise step to support our long-term metabolic and heart health.

Sources:

• ¹ Yang, Z., et al. (2021). A Review of Sources, Chemistry, and Health Benefits. Foods, 10(8), 1873.
• ² Navarro, M. A., et al. (2019). Palmitoleic Acid (Omega-7) and its Effects on Health. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 21(12), 52.
• ³ Nestel, P. J., et al. (2020). The effects of omega-7 supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 31(1), 1-10.