A branched-chain fatty acid that accumulates in the serum and tissues in Refsum disease and attributed to the hereditary absence of phytanate α-oxidase; arises from phytol and acts as an inhibitor of the α-oxidation of palmitic (hexadecanoic) acid; it also accumulates in a number of other disorders, notably peroxisomal disorders.
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phy·tan·ic acid fī-.tan-ik- n a fatty acid derived from phytol that accumulates in the blood and tissues of patients affected with Refsum's disease
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phy·tan·ic ac·id (fi-tanґik) an unusual 20-carbon branched-chain fatty acid found at high levels in dairy products and fatty tissue of ruminants, and accumulated in tissues of patients with Refsum disease and several peroxisomal disorders.Medical dictionary. 2011.