Metabolism and functional effects of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids in humans.
Metabolism and functional effects of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids in humans.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid and the substrate for the synthesis of longer-chain, more unsaturated ω-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are associated with human health benefits. The primary source of EPA and DHA is seafood. There is a need for sustainable sources of biologically active ω-3 fatty acids. Certain plants contain high concentrations of ALA and stearidonic acid (SDA). Here we review the literature on the metabolism of ALA and SDA in humans, the impact of increased ALA and SDA consumption on concentrations of EPA and DHA in blood and cell lipid pools, and the extent to which ALA and SDA might have health benefits. Although it is generally considered that humans have limited capacity for conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA, sex differences in conversion to DHA have been identified. If conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is limited, then ALA may have a smaller health benefit than EPA and DHA. SDA is more readily converted to EPA and appears to offer better potential for health improvement than ALA. However, conversion of both ALA and SDA to DHA is limited in most humans.
30-56
Baker, E.
7cd5b762-d7d7-4584-b9a7-dba555085440
Miles, Elizabeth
20332899-ecdb-4214-95bc-922dde36d416
Burdge, Graham
09d60a07-8ca1-4351-9bf1-de6ffcfb2159
Yaqoob, P.
eb74426f-4486-41ca-bb29-2e3ce3e65b68
Calder, Philip
1797e54f-378e-4dcb-80a4-3e30018f07a6
3 August 2016
Baker, E.
7cd5b762-d7d7-4584-b9a7-dba555085440
Miles, Elizabeth
20332899-ecdb-4214-95bc-922dde36d416
Burdge, Graham
09d60a07-8ca1-4351-9bf1-de6ffcfb2159
Yaqoob, P.
eb74426f-4486-41ca-bb29-2e3ce3e65b68
Calder, Philip
1797e54f-378e-4dcb-80a4-3e30018f07a6
Baker, E., Miles, Elizabeth, Burdge, Graham, Yaqoob, P. and Calder, Philip
(2016)
Metabolism and functional effects of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids in humans.
Progress in Lipid Research, 64, .
(doi:10.1016/j.plipres.2016.07.002).
(PMID:27496755)
Abstract
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid and the substrate for the synthesis of longer-chain, more unsaturated ω-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are associated with human health benefits. The primary source of EPA and DHA is seafood. There is a need for sustainable sources of biologically active ω-3 fatty acids. Certain plants contain high concentrations of ALA and stearidonic acid (SDA). Here we review the literature on the metabolism of ALA and SDA in humans, the impact of increased ALA and SDA consumption on concentrations of EPA and DHA in blood and cell lipid pools, and the extent to which ALA and SDA might have health benefits. Although it is generally considered that humans have limited capacity for conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA, sex differences in conversion to DHA have been identified. If conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is limited, then ALA may have a smaller health benefit than EPA and DHA. SDA is more readily converted to EPA and appears to offer better potential for health improvement than ALA. However, conversion of both ALA and SDA to DHA is limited in most humans.
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__soton.ac.uk_ude_PersonalFiles_Users_lce_mydocuments_Eprints - Prof Calder_Accepted publications for eprints_Baker et al Final Version Revised.pdf
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__soton.ac.uk_ude_PersonalFiles_Users_lce_mydocuments_Eprints - Prof Calder_Accepted publications for eprints_Baker et al Figures Final Version.pdf
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Accepted/In Press date: 29 July 2016
Published date: 3 August 2016
Organisations:
Human Development & Health
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Local EPrints ID: 398743
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/398743
ISSN: 0163-7827
PURE UUID: 225d8dc9-b60d-43de-9c06-f2a32daff2f1
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Date deposited: 01 Aug 2016 09:16
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 05:46
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Author:
E. Baker
Author:
P. Yaqoob
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