This odd numbered long-chain fatty acid is unusual in many biological systems and is therefore often useful as an internal standard or biomarker. Heneicosanoic acid is found in small amounts in mammalian milk and is present in the articular cartilage boundary lubricant1 and red blood cell fatty acids2. It is also present in small amounts in various microorganisms3 and can aid in their identification by the comparison of their lipid profiles. Heneicosanoic acid, along with other long chain fatty acids, shows significant inhibitory effects towards human p53 DNA binding domain.4
