Arachidonic Acid Unit Converter

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a 20-carbon omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid with four double bonds (20:4n-6). It is a major component of cell membrane phospholipids, where it helps maintain membrane flexibility and function.

When released from cell membranes, arachidonic acid is converted into signaling molecules called eicosanoids, including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. These compounds regulate inflammation, immune responses, blood clotting, and brain activity.

The body obtains arachidonic acid directly from animal-based foods or synthesizes it from linoleic acid (an essential omega-6 fatty acid) through a series of enzymatic steps involving delta-6 desaturase and delta-5 desaturase.

Arachidonic acid is obtained directly from animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and dairy, or synthesized in the liver from dietary linoleic acid through a series of desaturation and elongation reactions.