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The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health

The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health
The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health
A considerable literature has been published on the health benefits of fish, oil-rich fish and fish oils and their constituent long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA. Evidence from epidemiological studies highlights the cardioprotective attributes of diets rich in fish, especially oil-rich fish. Data from intervention trials are consistent in suggesting that LC n-3 PUFA lower the risk of CVD, probably by the multiple mechanisms of lowering serum triacylglycerols, improving the LDL:HDL ratio, anti-arrhythmic effects on heart muscle, improved plaque stability, anti-thrombotic effects and reduced endothelial activation. Research indicates LC n-3 PUFA provision has an impact during development, and there is preliminary evidence that docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy could optimise brain and retina development in the infant. LC n-3 PUFA are also postulated to ameliorate behavioural and mental health disturbances such as depression, schizophrenia, dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, despite some positive evidence in each of these areas, use of LC n-3 PUFA in these conditions remains at the experimental stage. In the case of immune function, there is little doubt that LC n-3 PUFA have a positive effect. Although intervention trials in rheumatoid arthritis show strong evidence of benefit, evidence for efficacy in other inflammatory conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma, is inconsistent or inadequate. More promising evidence in some conditions may come from studies which attempt to modify the fetal environment using LC n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy.
docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, cardiovascular disease, cognitive function, inflammatory disease, immune function
0954-4224
113-129
Ruxton, C.H.S.
45c2763f-4a9c-4e80-ba35-df1b5c870eca
Calder, P.C.
1797e54f-378e-4dcb-80a4-3e30018f07a6
Reed, S.C.
7c61ec92-1046-4c16-9f08-39c3d6e5d917
Simpson, M.J.A.
2008dc8c-74bb-4919-8920-eebf385b242a
Ruxton, C.H.S.
45c2763f-4a9c-4e80-ba35-df1b5c870eca
Calder, P.C.
1797e54f-378e-4dcb-80a4-3e30018f07a6
Reed, S.C.
7c61ec92-1046-4c16-9f08-39c3d6e5d917
Simpson, M.J.A.
2008dc8c-74bb-4919-8920-eebf385b242a

Ruxton, C.H.S., Calder, P.C., Reed, S.C. and Simpson, M.J.A. (2005) The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health. Nutrition Research Reviews, 18 (1), 113-129. (doi:10.1079/NRR200497).

Record type: Review

Abstract

A considerable literature has been published on the health benefits of fish, oil-rich fish and fish oils and their constituent long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA. Evidence from epidemiological studies highlights the cardioprotective attributes of diets rich in fish, especially oil-rich fish. Data from intervention trials are consistent in suggesting that LC n-3 PUFA lower the risk of CVD, probably by the multiple mechanisms of lowering serum triacylglycerols, improving the LDL:HDL ratio, anti-arrhythmic effects on heart muscle, improved plaque stability, anti-thrombotic effects and reduced endothelial activation. Research indicates LC n-3 PUFA provision has an impact during development, and there is preliminary evidence that docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy could optimise brain and retina development in the infant. LC n-3 PUFA are also postulated to ameliorate behavioural and mental health disturbances such as depression, schizophrenia, dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, despite some positive evidence in each of these areas, use of LC n-3 PUFA in these conditions remains at the experimental stage. In the case of immune function, there is little doubt that LC n-3 PUFA have a positive effect. Although intervention trials in rheumatoid arthritis show strong evidence of benefit, evidence for efficacy in other inflammatory conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma, is inconsistent or inadequate. More promising evidence in some conditions may come from studies which attempt to modify the fetal environment using LC n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy.

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More information

Published date: 2005
Keywords: docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, cardiovascular disease, cognitive function, inflammatory disease, immune function

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 25963
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/25963
ISSN: 0954-4224
PURE UUID: e3ece44c-6693-411d-bea8-b4d6221fde93
ORCID for P.C. Calder: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-6038-710X

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 19 Apr 2006
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 02:51

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Contributors

Author: C.H.S. Ruxton
Author: P.C. Calder ORCID iD
Author: S.C. Reed
Author: M.J.A. Simpson

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