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Cetylated fatty acids

Cetylated fatty acids are a group of naturally occurring fatty acids. This group includes cetyl myristoleate, cetyl myristate, cetyl palmitoleate, cetyl laureate, cetyl palmitate, and cetyl oleate. Cetyl myristoleate receives the most attention of all these fatty acids. Many products containing cetyl myristoleate also contain a mixture of the other cetylated fatty acids mentioned. There is interest in cetyl myristoleate for the treatment of osteoarthritis because it is a substance that has been found in certain mice that do not develop arthritis even when scientists try to induce arthritis in these mice in the laboratory. Cetylated fatty acids are also used in other types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome and sponditis ankylosans. In addition, cetylated fatty acids are used for so-called autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself, including systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Some people use cetylated fatty acids for psoriasis, fibromyalgia, emphysema, benign enlargement of the prostate, silicone breast syndrome, various types of back pain, leukemia and other cancers, and an inflammation of the blood vessels called Behcet's disease. For osteoarthritis, cetylated fatty acids are also applied to the skin.

How do cetylated fatty acids work?

Cetylatedfatty acids may help lubricate joints and improve the flexibility of joints, muscles and tissues. They may also support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

How effective are cetylated fatty acids?

Cetylated fattyacids may be effective in treating osteoarthritis when taken orally or applied to the skin over the affected joint. Taking a specific blend of cetylated fatty acids, marketed as Celadrin, in combination with soy lecithin and fish oil appears to reduce pain and improve knee range of motion in people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. However, this combination does not appear to improve joint stiffness in the morning. Applying the same specific mixture of cetylated fatty acids directly to the skin either on its own or in combination with menthol also appears to reduce pain and improve joint function in people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.

However, there is not enough scientific data to conclude on the effectiveness of cetylated fatty acids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Behcet's disease, Reiter's syndrome, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, emphysema, benign prostatic hyperplasia, leukemia and other cancers, as well as various types of back pain. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of cetylated fatty acids in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Cetylated fattyacids are potentially safe and harmless when taken orally or applied to the skin over a short period of time. No side effects have been reported. However, there is not much information on the safety of long-term use.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of cetylated fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid cetylated fatty acids.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions between cetylated fatty acids and medications or supplements.

Dosage

The following dosages have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral:

  • For osteoarthritis: 350 mg of a specific mixture of cetylated fatty acids (Celadrin) plus 50 mg soy lecithin and 75 mg fish oil taken six times daily.

Applied to the skin:

  • For osteoarthritis, a specific mixture of cetylated fatty acids (Celadrin) was applied to the affected joints twice daily.

References

  1. Diehl HW, May EL. Cetyl myristoleate isolated from Swiss albino mice: an apparent protective agent against adjuvant arthritis in rats. J Pharm Sci 1994;83:296-9.
  2. Hesslink R Jr, Armstrong D 3rd, Nagendran MV, et al. Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 2002;29:1708-12.
  3. Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Anderson JM, et al. Effect of a cetylated fatty acid topical cream on functional mobility and quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 2004;31:767-74.
  4. Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Maresh CM, et al. A cetylated fatty acid topical cream with menthol reduces pain and improves functional performance in individuals with arthritis. J Strength Cond Res 2005;19:475-80.
  5. Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Maresh CM, et al. Effects of treatment with a cetylated fatty acid topical cream on static postural stability and plantar pressure distribution in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Strength Cond Res 2005;19:115-21.