Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits

Abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) include α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 ω-3), stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4 ω-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 ω-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 22:5 ω-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 ω-3). In the past few decades, many epidemiological studies have been conducted on the myriad health benefits of omega-3 PUFAs. In this review, we summarized the structural features, properties, dietary sources, metabolism, and bioavailability of omega-3 PUFAs and their effects on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, depression, visual and neurological development, and maternal and child health. Even though many health benefits of omega-3 PUFAs have been reported in the literature, there are also some controversies about their efficacy and certain benefits to human health.

Italy's nutraceutical industry: a process and bioeconomy perspective into a key area of the global economy

“…Numerous randomized controlled trials and extensive biochemical research show, and explain, the health benefits of omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation, overall and for brain and heart health …”

“…Numerous randomized controlled trials and extensive biochemical research show, and explain, the health benefits of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation, overall and for brain and heart health. 15 From time to time review studies are published stating that omega-3 supplements have little or no health benefit, for example on cardiovascular health. 16 The international trade organization for omega-3 ingredients and formulation manufacturers thus started to build a clinical study database cataloging every human clinical trial on the two main PUFAs in omega-3 lipids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).…”

Oleaginous yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii shows fermentative metabolism of sugars in the biosynthesis of ethanol and converts raw glycerol and cheese whey permeate into polyunsaturated fatty acids

“…Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important roles in human health due to their influence in cellular membranes fluidity and because they are essential for the functionality of sub‐cellular organelles . Scientific research has shown that regular intake of PUFA, such as omega‐3, helps to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, depression, and cardiovascular diseases . Linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and decosaexaenoic acid (DHA) are PUFA of interest because of health benefits attributed to them.…”

“…1 Scientific research has shown that regular intake of PUFA, such as omega-3, helps to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, depression, and cardiovascular diseases. [2][3][4] Linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and decosaexaenoic acid (DHA) are PUFA of interest because of health benefits attributed to them. For instance, studies show that ingestion of DHA is involved in the development of the brain and eyes in infants, also being important for heart health.…”

Oxidative stability of marine oils as affected by added wheat germ oil

“…As the main components of membrane lipids, DHA supports normal development of the brain, eyes, and the nervous system, especially for infants and foetuses, and thus addition of DHA in the diet of pregnant and lactating women as well as infant formula is strongly recommended. [4][5][6][7] Furthermore, PUFA such as EPA plays a vital role in inflammation, regulating blood flow, immune response, and ion transport by serving as a precursor of signalling eicosanoid molecules. In addition, long-chain omega-3 PUFAs can be converted to other anti-inflammatory molecules, such as resolvins, maresins, and omega-3-oxylipins, [8] which may also explain the function of omega-3 fatty acids in alleviating cancer, [9] cardiovascular disease, [10] psychiatric disorders, [11] Parkinson's disease, [12] and inflammatory conditions.…”