Arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid (CAS 506-32-1), commonly abbreviated as ARA, is a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid sourced primarily from animal and fungal lipid fractions. It functions as a bioactive lipid ingredient in nutritional, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations where specific fatty acid composition is a formulation requirement.

In infant formula, ARA is added alongside DHA to meet regulatory standards for essential fatty acid content in early-life nutrition products for global distribution. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a reference standard and active ingredient in prostaglandin and eicosanoid research, as well as in lipid-based drug delivery systems.

Sports nutrition and dietary supplement producers incorporate ARA to support muscle protein synthesis pathways in performance-focused products and specialized health supplements. In cosmetic formulations, it is used in skin barrier repair creams and serums where targeted fatty acid delivery to the stratum corneum is required for efficacy.

Arachidonic acid is supplied as a liquid oil or in encapsulated powder form, with encapsulation commonly used to improve oxidative stability for food and supplement applications. It is available in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with purity levels typically ranging from 40% to >98% depending on the intended use and industry.