eicosatetraenoic acid
arachidonic acid
BiochemistryA polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, which is an essential dietary component for mammals and the precursor for biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid derivatives (e.g., leukotrienes). Arachidonic acid release from phospholipids is the limiting step in forming its active metabolites.
Nutrition
Foods containing arachidonic acid—e.g., egg yolks, fatty red meat and organ meats—are viewed as unhealthy by nutritionists.