Last verified: today
Cetyl Myristoleate
Also known as: CMO, cetyl myristoleate complex, CMC, cetylated fatty acids, CFA
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
A fatty acid compound marketed for joint pain, but clinical evidence of effectiveness is lacking.
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What it does
Cetyl myristoleate is a fatty acid ester derived from cetyl alcohol and myristoleic acid, originally isolated from Swiss albino mice. It is marketed primarily as a joint health supplement, with...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
What the Science Says
Cetyl myristoleate is a fatty acid ester derived from cetyl alcohol and myristoleic acid, originally isolated from Swiss albino mice. It is marketed primarily as a joint health supplement, with early animal research suggesting it may protect against chemically induced arthritis in rats. However, human clinical evidence is absent from the provided research, and a review of alternative osteoarthritis therapies concluded it has no proven clinical usefulness.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat or prevent arthritis in humans. No evidence it reduces joint pain better than a placebo. Not shown to regenerate cartilage. Safety in humans has not been established by regulators.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduced chemically induced arthritis symptoms in rats in early laboratory research.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — European food safety regulators flagged a critical lack of data on how much is absorbed intact, how it is distributed, metabolized, or excreted after oral intake.
Red Flags to Watch For
- The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded the safety of Cetyl Myristoleate Complex has NOT been established as a food ingredient
- No robust human clinical trials exist in the provided evidence base to confirm effectiveness
- Animal study findings (rat arthritis model) have not been replicated in human trials
- Products containing CMC are widely sold despite regulatory safety concerns — over 1,000 registered supplement products exist with no strong clinical backing
- Lack of ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) data means long-term safety is unknown
Products Containing Cetyl Myristoleate
See how Cetyl Myristoleate is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25