Ace the NANP Board Exam 2026 – Unleash Your Natural Health Mojo!

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From what is oleic acid synthesized in the body?

Gamma linolenic acid

Linoleic acid

Stearic acid

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is primarily synthesized in the body from stearic acid. When stearic acid undergoes a process called desaturation, an enzyme introduces a double bond into the fatty acid chain, converting it into oleic acid. This process is significant as it allows the body to create oleic acid from readily available saturated fats.

While other acids like linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid are essential fatty acids that the body must obtain from dietary sources, they do not serve as precursor substrates for the synthesis of oleic acid. Gamma linolenic acid is more closely related to arachidonic acid but does not directly contribute to the synthesis of oleic acid either. Hence, stearic acid is the correct precursor for the synthesis of oleic acid in the body.

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Alpha linolenic acid

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