Pinolenic acid is a triple-unsaturated fatty acid which is a positional isomer of a more widely known gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Pinolenic acid is found exclusively in pine nuts and pine nut oil, and is not present in any other species of plants. This fatty acid is present in all 140 varieties of pine nuts (and their oil) in quantities ranging from 0.1 to more than 20 percent. However, the richest known source of pinolenic acid is the oil pressed from the seeds of the Siberian pine (Pinus Sibirica). It is this oil, containing up to 27 per cent of pinolenic acid, that the native Siberians use to boost their nutrient intake.

Scientists have demonstrated that pinolenic acid favorably affects total blood lipids, reduces platelet aggregation, and lowers blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular health.