Oleic Acid: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid. It can be made by the body. It is also found in foods. Highest levels are found in olive oil and other edible oils.

Consuming oils rich in oleic acid reduces the risk of heart disease. The FDA allows for this qualified health claim on certain products. Its benefits might be related to its effects on cholesterol levels and inflammation.

People commonly use oleic acid for heart disease and high cholesterol. It is also used for diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse oleic acid with diets and oils containing oleic acid, such as the Mediterranean diet, olive oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Heart disease. Consuming oils that provide about 20 grams (1.5 tablespoons) of oleic acid in place of dietary fats with higher amounts of saturated fat might reduce the risk of heart disease. But research is limited.
High cholesterol. Consuming oils rich in oleic acid as part of the diet might help lower cholesterol. These oils include olive oil and some sunflower and canola oils.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Oleic acid is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if oleic acid is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Oleic acid is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if oleic acid is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Oleic acid is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if oleic acid is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Oleic Acid
Oleic acid might lower blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking oleic acid with diabetes medications might make the blood sugar fall too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Dosing

Oleic acid has most often been used by adults as high-oleic acid canola oil at a dose of 60 grams per 3000 kcal by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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