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Metabolic Modulators

TTA (Tetradecylthioacetic Acid)

Modified fatty acid that activates PPAR receptors to increase fat burning; strong in rodents, thin and mixed in humans.

SupplementEvidence level 2 of 5: Animal data, minimal humanAlso: Tetradecylthioacetic acid, Thia fatty acid, 1-(Carboxymethylthio)tetradecane

Overview

TTA is a modified fatty acid in which a sulfur atom replaces a carbon, so the body cannot break it down like a normal fat. Instead, it lingers and activates PPAR receptors — the same nuclear receptors targeted by fibrate and glitazone drugs — switching on genes for fatty acid burning and mitochondrial growth. In rodents, it lowers triglycerides, protects against diet-induced obesity and improves insulin sensitivity. Human research is limited to a handful of small trials with inconsistent effects on blood lipids, and mild anemia has been reported. It is a niche compound best used only with careful blood-count, liver and lipid monitoring.

Classification
Synthetic sulfur-substituted (3-thia) fatty acid; pan-PPAR agonist; not a peptide
Route
Oral
Half-life
Not well established

Mechanism of action

Primary targetPPAR-α, PPAR-δ (and weaker PPAR-γ) nuclear receptors
  1. Resists β-oxidationSulfur substitution prevents normal breakdown, prolonging cellular exposure.
  2. Activates PPARsBinds PPAR-α and PPAR-δ nuclear receptors in liver and muscle.
  3. Fat-oxidation genes inducedUpregulates CPT-1 and other mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation enzymes.
  4. Mitochondrial biogenesisIncreases mitochondrial number in liver in animal studies.
  5. Lipid loweringReduces triglyceride production and plasma triglyceride levels.
Downstream effects
  • Lower triglycerides
  • Increased fat oxidation
  • Reduced adiposity (rodents)

Researched for

  • Dyslipidemia
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • HIV-associated dyslipidemia
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Psoriasis (exploratory)

Research notes

  • Rodent studies consistently show lower triglycerides, increased hepatic fatty-acid oxidation and resistance to diet-induced obesity.
  • A phase 1 study found no significant change in blood lipids in healthy volunteers.
  • A small study in men with type 2 diabetes reported attenuated dyslipidemia; findings are not replicated.
  • Mild anemia and liver-enzyme changes have been reported; long-term human safety is unknown.

Reported side effects

  • Mild anemia
  • Transient liver-enzyme elevation
  • Nausea or dyspepsia
  • Generally well tolerated in small studies

Contraindications & cautions

  • Pre-existing anemia
  • Active liver disease
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Concurrent fibrate or glitazone therapy (caution)

Lab monitoring

  • CBC (hemoglobin, MCV)
  • Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT)
  • Fasting lipid panel
  • Fasting glucose and HbA1c
  • Iron panel

Dosing and pricing for TTA (Tetradecylthioacetic Acid)

Dosing references and compound pricing are available to established patients in the secure portal after a medical evaluation.

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