They are one of the key building blocks for cell membranes and remain a subject of interest in the scientific community.
The family of omega-3 fatty acids includes:
- alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- stearidonic acid (SDA)
- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)
- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
DHA and EPA are the primary polyunsaturated fats in brain cell membranes and have been popularized and successfully
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, meaning the human body is incapable of creating them on its own — the fatty acids or their precursors must be obtained from the diet.
For instance, ALA from plant seeds can be converted in the body to all the other types of omega-3 fats: EPA, SDA, DHA, DPA.
However, this conversion is quite
DHA, EPA, and DPA omega-3 fatty acids are synthesized by marine organisms such as algae and phytoplankton.
When consumed by fish, aquatic mammals, and crustaceans, the fatty acids enter the food chain and are stored in body fat, liver, and blubber. They are then later consumed by humans.
Food sources of DHA, EPA, and DPA include:
fatty fish , such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, menhaden, or herring- the liver of lean, white fish, such as halibut or cod
- blubber from seals or whales
fish oils from cod flesh, tuna, haddock, flounder, or krill oil
ALA, on the other hand, is concentrated in plant sources and is the most frequent omega-3 fatty acid used by the body to create all other types of omega-3 fatty acids.
Sources of ALA include nuts and seeds, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts as well as oils, such as echium seed oil, canola, and soybean oils.
According to the
However, given that the conversion of ALA to DHA and EPA is
Furthermore, a myriad of DHA and EPA omega-3 supplements are available and contribute significantly to daily omega-3 intake. Fish oil is the most
omega-3 supplement used by adults and children.
Decades of research on the health impacts of omega-3 fatty acids have provided controversial findings. Here are some evidence-backed benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to exert
In fact, omega-3 fatty acids are regarded as one of the most
Lower cholesterol
In a 6-week
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids lowered the “bad” cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), when dietary saturated fats were replaced with
Elevated triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are linked to an increased risk for
However, a recent
Lower blood pressure
On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve vascular health — the health of the blood vessels — by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide.
In a phase 2 scientific study,
May reduce the risk of heart disease
By reducing markers associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease — high triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure — omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a
The same review concluded that high-dose daily supplementation with 4 g of purified EPA in people with elevated triglycerides levels led to a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events.
In their
Improve tolerance to cancer treatment
Omega-3 fatty acids may improve the efficacy and tolerance of chemotherapy and is a potential supportive treatment to people undergoing cancer treatment.
More specifically, daily supplementation with EPA and DHA helped patients with head and neck cancers and
Improves depression
A
This finding is supported by other studies included in Prof. Shahidi’s and Prof. Ambigaipalan’s review, indicating that fish oil supplementation helps protect against major depressive disorder in people between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
Furthermore, moderate intakes of fatty fish and seafood were associated with fewer occurrences of depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been successfully marketed as heart-friendly and reported to reduce the risk of adverse heart disease-related outcomes.
However, its role and health benefits for some conditions have been challenged and discredited. This Cochrane report review found no evidence of the benefit of omega-3 supplements on heart disease, stroke, or death.
Here are some conditions that omega-3 fatty acids may not prevent or improve, based on the latest scientific evidence.
Reduce risk of death by heart disease
Prof. Shahidi and Prof. Ambigaipalan also found that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids does not reduce the risk of adverse heart disease-related outcomes, such as sudden cardiac death, heart attack, or stroke, even in individuals without a history of disease.
Although omega-3 fats lower the risk of developing heart disease by lowering triglyceride, the “bad” cholesterol LDL, and blood pressure, a meta-analysis of over 80,000 individuals found that their supplementation
Prevent blood clots
Anti-clotting effects of omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed by reducing platelet aggregation. However, this finding has been controversial, and the evidence in this regard is
Prevent or treat diabetes
It does not affect fasting blood sugar, insulin resistance, or glycosylated hemoglobin in those with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Prevent cancer
Omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to
In a meta-analysis of over one million people, a particularly high intake of omega-3 fats — 5–15 g per day — did not significantly reduce lung cancer risk, and in some cases,
Therefore, too low or too high omega-3 intake may be harmful.
Source: Medical News Today
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