Pristanic Acid
Pristanic acid is a branched-chain fatty acid that is derived from the breakdown of certain lipids in the body. It is primarily formed from the metabolism of phytanic acid, which is found in various animal fats and some plant sources. Pristanic acid plays a role in cellular processes and is involved in the synthesis of certain lipids.
In humans, pristanic acid is typically present in small amounts and is excreted through urine. Elevated levels of pristanic acid can indicate issues with peroxisomal disorders, which affect the body's ability to break down certain fatty acids. Monitoring pristanic acid levels can be important for diagnosing and managing these metabolic conditions.