Itaconic acid

Itaconic acid also known as itaconate belongs to the class of organic compounds known as branched fatty acids. These are fatty acids containing a branched chain. Itaconic acid exists as a solid soluble (in water) and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Itaconic acid has been detected in multiple biofluids such as sweat and urine. Within the cell itaconic acid is primarily located in the mitochondria cytoplasm and adiposome. Itaconic acid exists in all eukaryotes ranging from yeast to humans. Adenosine triphosphate and itaconic acid can be converted into itaconyl-CoA; which is catalyzed by the enzyme succinyl-CoA ligase. Outside of the human body itaconic acid can be found in a number of food items such as cowpea butternut squash brussel sprouts and nopal. This makes itaconic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products.