Stearidonic acid

Stearidonic acid is an Omega-3 [fatty acid|ω-3 fatty acid], sometimes called moroctic acid.

Biosynthesis

It is biosynthesized from alpha-linolenic acid by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase, which removes two hydrogen atoms.
Stearidonic acid is a precursor to eicosapentaenoic acid.
As it is a precursor to other fatty acids, there has been efforts to enhance the content off stearidonic acid in various crops, such as soybeans.
SDA is also a precursor to N-acylethanolamine. Natural sources of this fatty acid are the seed oils of hemp, blackcurrant, corn gromwell, and Echium plantagineum, and the cyanobacterium Spirulina. SDA can also be synthesized in a lab. A GMO soybean source is approved by the European [Food Safety Authority].