[4] Its stereoisomer, cis-vaccenic acid, is found in Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil.

Obese rats fed a diet enriched with vaccenic acid for 16 weeks had a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels,[10] with an effect comparable to CLA.

[11] Vaccenic acid accumulates in the orbitofrontal cortex to a higher extent in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

[15] A 2023 University of Chicago study found that trans-vaccenic acid enhances anti-tumor immunity by activating CD8+ T cells.

This effect is accomplished by deactivating a GPR43 receptor, which activates the CREB pathway instead.