Myristic acid is a common saturated fatty acid having CH3(CH2)12COOH as molecular formula. Its salts and esters are known as myristates. The name was termed after binomial name for nutmeg from which it was first isolated by Lyon Playfair in 1841. It is a saturated fatty acid belonging to the sub-group known as long chain fatty acids from 14 to 18 carbon atoms. It naturally occurs in some foods. Myristic acid (in purified form) occurs as hard, faintly yellow or white, glossy crystalline solid or as yellow-white or white powder. Myristic acid and its esters and salts are used in soaps, eye makeup, detergents, nail care products, hair care products, shaving products and others.

Food sources of Myristic acid

Food name	Weight (g)	Myristic acid (g)
Nutmeg butter oil	13.6	11.234
Coconut milk	240	10.022
Ucuhuba butter oil	13.6	8.622
Colby cheese	132	5.057
Muenster cheese	132	4.055
Cheddar cheese	132	3.967
Fontina cheese	132	3.912
Swiss cheese	132	3.853
Feta cheese	150	3.817
Provolone cheese	132	3.627
Parmesan cheese	100	3.377
Coconut oil	13.6	2.265
Vegetable oil	13.6	2.230
Babassu oil	13.6	2.040
Sheep’s milk	245	1.617
Kielbasa	370	1.425
Ricotta cheese	124	1.323
Spinach souffle	136	1.167
Menhaden fish oil	13.6	1.082
Goat cheese	28.35	1.023

Side effects

It may cause side effects such as skin irritation, eye irritation, cough syrup, urge to vomit, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rash, allergic reaction and glycerin laxative-anal.
People with allergic reactions, blockage in digestive system, undiagnosed abdominal pain and children under the age of 6 years should not use it.