Fats & oils
Arachidonic Acid
Names you may see: ARA AA omega 6 omega-6
The quick take
Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fat involved in cell membranes and signalling.
A closer look
What forms will I see on a label?
Supplement labels may use arachidonic acid, ARA or AA. Check the amount of the fatty acid rather than total oil weight.
Why people use it
Bodybuilders use it with the aim of increasing muscle growth, strength and training adaptations.
These are common goals and marketing uses. The evidence section below explains what research supports.
What does the evidence tell us?
Small resistance-training trials have produced mixed results. Some report performance benefits, while others found no extra strength or muscle gain. It is not a consistently proven muscle-building ingredient.
What should I know before using it?
Most exercise studies were short and involved healthy men. They do not establish long-term safety for everyone. Seek advice before use with medical conditions or medication.
Sources & further reading
Published resistance-training trial ↗
Additional arachidonic acid training trial ↗
Content reviewed: September 30, 2026
General educational information. Follow the product label and seek individual advice when needed.