Is there really such a thing as omega-7 fatty acids? These fatty acids may not be commonly known, but they possess some health benefits that every woman should know about. Of the eight forms of omega-7s, two of the most common are palmitoleic acid and vaccenic acid. Here we are interested in the former. 

What is palmitoleic acid?

Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that, like other fatty acids, is made up mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms. However, unlike omega-3s and omega-6s, they can be produced by the body. It is the result of palmitic acid metabolism in the body. Palmitoleic acid is the most abundant of the omega-7s and can be found throughout the body, but especially in the liver.

Taking palmitoleic acid is a good way to complement the benefits of omega-3s. This fatty acid has the ability to act as a hormone and have a positive metabolic impact on organs and mucous membranes. 

Palmitoleic acid is found in only a few foods. These include macadamia nuts and oil, sea buckthorn, avocado oil, and olive oil. Although there are some omega-7s in fish, such as salmon and anchovies, these fatty acids are not the same as the fish oils in omega-3s, although they do compliment them. 

How palmitoleic acid may help women in menopause

Research has shown that palmitoleic acid is associated with numerous health benefits of interest to women in perimenopause and the years beyond.

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Aging skin: As estrogen levels decline and the accumulation of environmental assaults continues, collagen levels also decline and elasticity fades. Research shows that palmitoleic acid can assist in collagen regeneration via a complex process that involves activating SIRT1 and inhibiting MMP-1. The authors concluded that based on their findings, “omega-7 is a possible functional food to improve skin health for the prevention of aging.”

Diabetes: Women experiencing insulin resistance or diabetes in the menopause years may get some help from palmitoleic acid. Experts have noted that in human studies, higher levels of palmitoleic acid are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Cardiovascular health: High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular health. In a recent animal study, a research team found that palmitoleic acid is capable of inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the intestines and can promote the transformation of cholesterol into bile acids, both actions which help prevent high cholesterol. 

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Dry eyes. Changes in levels of both estrogen and androgens are associated with dry eyes in menopause and especially postmenopause. Sea buckthorn oil contains palmitoleic acid, and it was used in a double-blind study of individuals with dry eyes. Two grams of sea buckthorn oil or placebo were taken daily for three months by the participants. The positive effects of the sea buckthorn oil were believed to be from the “carotenoids and tocopherols in the oil or eicosanoids produced from the fatty acids of the oil.”

Vaginal atrophy: This symptom of menopause and postmenopause can be challenging to treat, thus an effective and natural approach is welcome. Sea buckthorn oil supplements were given to postmenopausal women in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The oil was effective in providing relief, “indicating it is a potential alternative for mucosal integrity for those women not able to use estrogen treatment for vaginal atrophy.”

How to use omega-7 palmitoleic acid

The omega-7 fatty acid as palmitoleic acid is available as a sole ingredient, but it is best taken as a combination supplement containing omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 in a balanced formula. There is no established daily intake identified for omega-7 fatty acids. 

Bottom line

The omega-7 fatty acid palmitoleic acid is the most abundant of the members of this group. It’s been shown to have a number of benefits for women in menopause and postmenopause and can be obtained in supplement form.