Cetyl Myristoleate (Cetylated Fatty Acids)

Commonly used for
Joint Health
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What is it? / Overview
Cetylated fatty acids are esterified fatty acids proposed to lubricate and stabilize cell and synovial membranes and modulate the inflammatory response, reducing joint pain and improving range of motion -- a 2025 meta-analysis found benefit for pain, range of motion, and function with the oral capsule form, but not with topical cream.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Cis-9-cetyl myristoleate (CMO) or cetylated fatty acid (CFA) blends, oral capsules (oral form has the supporting evidence, not topical cream)
Typical dose studied: ~1.5 g/day of CFA blend, oral
Timing: Oral, daily with food; benefit assessed over 6-12 weeks
The 2025 meta-analysis found benefit only with the oral capsule form, not topical cream -- worth being specific about which product form a user is asking about.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Already taking it? Reasonable to continue -- a 2025 meta-analysis found significant improvement in pain, range of motion, and function for the oral form specifically, though the total evidence base is small (under 400 participants across all trials).
Research & references
Lee SC et al. (2017). The Minimal Effective Dose of Cis-9-Cetylmyristoleate (CMO) in Persons Presenting With Knee Joint Pain. Medicine. Tung KM et al. (2025). Effects of Cetylated Fatty Acids on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Real-World Evidence. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology.
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