Alternative sources of bioactive omega-3 fatty acids: what are the options?
Alternative sources of bioactive omega-3 fatty acids: what are the options?
Purpose of review: the very-long chain (VLC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) EPA and DHA promote optimal development, physiological function and healthy ageing and help to manage disease. EPA and DHA are sourced mainly from fish, which is not sustainable. This review explores alternative sustainable sources.
Recent findings: recent research confirms that higher intake and status of EPA and DHA are associated with health benefits including lower risk of incident type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease mortality. Meta-analyses confirm benefits of intravenous EPA and DHA in hospitalised adults. Algal oils and seed oils from some genetically modified (GM) plants are sources of EPA and DHA. An oil from GM camelina showed equivalence with fish oil in human trials. Ahilflower oil, a source of stearidonic acid, had biological effects in experimental studies that might translate into health benefits. An intravenous lipid emulsion based on Ahiflower oil has been tested in experimental research. Pine nut oil (PNO) is a source of pinolenic acid, which is not an omega-3 PUFA but has similar actions.
Summary: algal oils, oils from GM seed crops, Ahiflower oil and other sources of stearidonic acid, and non-omega-3 oils including PNO, are plant-sourced sustainable alternatives to fish-sourced VLC omega-3 PUFAs.
Baker, Ella J.
7cd5b762-d7d7-4584-b9a7-dba555085440
8 December 2023
Baker, Ella J.
7cd5b762-d7d7-4584-b9a7-dba555085440
Baker, Ella J.
(2023)
Alternative sources of bioactive omega-3 fatty acids: what are the options?
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 27.
(doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000001006).
Abstract
Purpose of review: the very-long chain (VLC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) EPA and DHA promote optimal development, physiological function and healthy ageing and help to manage disease. EPA and DHA are sourced mainly from fish, which is not sustainable. This review explores alternative sustainable sources.
Recent findings: recent research confirms that higher intake and status of EPA and DHA are associated with health benefits including lower risk of incident type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease mortality. Meta-analyses confirm benefits of intravenous EPA and DHA in hospitalised adults. Algal oils and seed oils from some genetically modified (GM) plants are sources of EPA and DHA. An oil from GM camelina showed equivalence with fish oil in human trials. Ahilflower oil, a source of stearidonic acid, had biological effects in experimental studies that might translate into health benefits. An intravenous lipid emulsion based on Ahiflower oil has been tested in experimental research. Pine nut oil (PNO) is a source of pinolenic acid, which is not an omega-3 PUFA but has similar actions.
Summary: algal oils, oils from GM seed crops, Ahiflower oil and other sources of stearidonic acid, and non-omega-3 oils including PNO, are plant-sourced sustainable alternatives to fish-sourced VLC omega-3 PUFAs.
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Accepted/In Press date: 23 November 2023
Published date: 8 December 2023
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Not compliant with NIHR OA policy due to embargo on AAM.
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Local EPrints ID: 484936
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/484936
ISSN: 1363-1950
PURE UUID: 32387823-d50f-4c4f-8887-d851838eeb47
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Date deposited: 24 Nov 2023 17:42
Last modified: 18 Mar 2024 03:51
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Ella J. Baker
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