β-oxidation is the most predominant pathway for fatty acid degradation. However, the removal of one carbon unit at a time by oxidation of α-carbon atom of fatty acid is known as α-oxidation.

This type of oxidation has been detected in brain tissues. It does not require CoA intermediates and does not require high energy phosphates.

ω-oxidation is a minor pathway and is brought about by hydrolase enzymes involvng cytochrome p450 in the endoplasmic reticulum. The CH₃ group is converted to CH₂OH group that is subsequently oxidised to COOH, thus forming dicarboxylic acid. This is β-oxidised usually to adipic and suberic acids which are excreted in urine.