Heterogeneity in the response to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract

Purpose of reviewA central goal in the study of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is to translate findings from the basic sciences to the population level to improve human health and prevent chronic diseases. A tenet of this vision is to think in terms of precision medicine and nutrition, that is, stratification of individuals into differing groups that will have different needs across the lifespan for n-3 PUFAs. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify the sources of heterogeneity in the human population in the dietary response to n-3 PUFA intervention.Recent findingsWe briefly review key sources of heterogeneity in the response to intake of long chain n-3 PUFAs. These include background diet, host genome, composition of the gut microbiome, and sex. We also discuss the need to integrate data from newer rodent models (e.g. population-based approaches), multi -omics, and analyses of big data using machine learning and data-driven cluster analyses.SummaryAccounting for vast heterogeneity in the human population, particularly with the use of big data integrated with preclinical evidence, will drive the next generation of precision nutrition studies and randomized clinical trials with long-chain n-3 PUFAs.

Editorial: Lipids to support physiology and function: both quantity and quality are important

“…Obviously, a smaller increase in EPA and DHA levels would likely result in a smaller effect on physiology, biomarkers and clinical outcome. This has been discussed elsewhere [34] and now Shaikh and Bazinet [35] provide an update focussing on the roles of background diet (e.g. intake of n-6 PUFAs), genetics (e.g.…”