Rumenic acid

Rumenic acid is a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in the fat of ruminants and in dairy products. It is a omega-7 trans fat. Its lipid shorthand name is cis-9, trans-11 18:2 acid. The name was proposed by Kramer et al in 1998. It is formed along with vaccenic acid by biohydrogenation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in the rumen. It can be considered as the principal dietary form, accounting for as much as 85-90% of the total CLA content in dairy products.

Biological properties


Laboratory studies indicate that rumenic acid shows anticarcinogenic properties.