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Phytanic Acid MeSH Descriptor Data 2026


MeSH Heading
Phytanic Acid
Tree Number(s)
D02.455.849.291.515
Unique ID
D010831
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D010831
Scope Note
A 20-carbon branched chain fatty acid. In phytanic acid storage disease (REFSUM DISEASE) this lipid may comprise as much as 30% of the total fatty acids of the plasma. This is due to a phytanic acid alpha-hydroxylase deficiency.
Registry Numbers
14721-66-5
CAS Type 1 Name
Hexadecanoic acid, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-
Previous Indexing
Diterpenes (1974)
Fatty Acids (1970-1974)
Public MeSH Note
91; was see under EICOSANOIC ACIDS 1975-90
History Note
91(75); was see under EICOSANOIC ACIDS 1975-90
Date Introduced
1991/01/01
Last Updated
2006/07/05
Phytanic Acid Preferred
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