Pristanic acid is a type of fatty acid that is derived from the breakdown of certain lipids in the body. It is classified as a branched-chain fatty acid and is primarily found in animal fats. This compound plays a role in various metabolic processes, including the metabolism of certain types of lipids. In the human body, pristanic acid is produced from the degradation of phytanic acid, which is obtained from dietary sources like dairy products and certain meats. Abnormal levels of pristanic acid can be associated with metabolic disorders, such as Refsum disease, which affects the body's ability to break down specific fatty acids.