[citation needed] It is present in all tissues but, in general, found in higher concentrations in the liver.

It is biosynthesized from palmitic acid by the action of the enzyme Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1.

Animal and cell culture studies indicate that palmitoleic acid is anti-inflammatory, and improves insulin sensitivity in liver and skeletal muscles, but more studies are required to establish its actions in humans.

[2] Many of the effects of palmitoleic acid are due to its activation of PPAR-alpha.

Macadamia oil (Macadamia integrifolia) and sea buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides) are botanical sources with high concentrations, containing 17% and 19-29% palmitoleic acid, respectively.