Stearidonic Acid

Stearidonic Acid (SDA) is an omega-3 fatty acid with 18 carbons and 4 double bonds, which is commonly notated as C18:4n-3 or simply 18:4n-3. SDA is found in several plants and many fish.

Genetically Engineered SDA Omega-3 Soybeans
With the increased awareness of the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, in the diet, Monsanto created a genetically engineered SDA Omega-3 Soybean known as MON 87769. Plant foods, including soybeans, often contain omega-3s in the form of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). However, the optimal form of omega-3s are considered to be eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

According to Monsanto's petition to deregulate MON 87769:


 * "Studies have shown that the conversion of ALA to the more desirable long chain PUFAs [poly unsaturated fatty acids], EPA and DHA, found in fatty fish and algae, is inefficient in humans. As a result, studies have shown that it can take 14-20 grams of ALA to convert to 1 gram EPA (James et al., 2003). SDA is an eighteen carbon fatty acid with four double bonds (18:4n-3) that is naturally found in fish and fish/algal oil products and some plants. SDA is the intermediate in the biochemical pathway between ALA and EPA and does not require the action of delta-6 desaturase for conversion to EPA. As a result, conversion of SDA to EPA is much more efficient."

Sources of Stearidonic Acid
Stearidonic acid is not commonly found in plants, but it is found in the following plants:
 * Black Currant seeds, Ribes Nigrum: 2.5%-4.5% SDA
 * Borage seed, Borago offinalis: 0.5% SDA
 * Hemp seed, Cannabis sativa: Up to 2% SDA
 * Plants in the genus Echium (in the Borage family) often contain SDA, in amounts exceeding 20% in some species
 * E. asperrimum: 21.06%
 * E. boissieri: 14.31%
 * E. creticum: 14.73%
 * E. sabulicola: 14.72%
 * Asperuco procumbens (Borage family): 11.75% SDA
 * Buglossoides arvensis (Borage family): 14.08% SDA
 * Primula spp.: 11-14%

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Genetically Engineered SDA Omega 3 Soybeans
 * MON 87769
 * Genetically Modified Organisms
 * GMO Policies by Country
 * Using Hunger to Promote Genetic Engineering

External resources

 * Clarifications and Corrections to Petition #09-183-01p for the Determination of Non-regulated Status for MON 87769, Monsanto, February 4, 2010.