![]() ![]() ![]() ⁶ In all areas, additional research in the form of long-term, placebo-controlled, clinical trials will be useful in understanding the health outcomes associated with omega-3 intake.Ĭardiovascular Health Observational studies have reported that greater intakes of fish and seafood as well as higher dietary levels or plasma levels of omega-3s are associated with lower risks of heart failure, CHD and fatal coronary heart disease. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to determine whether or not th ose benefits are a result of greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids if fish or seafood choices replace other, unhealthier diet choices or if the benefits are due to a combination of factors. Observational research often notes a relationship between a higher intake of fish and other seafood with improved health-related outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acids are p erhaps best known for their potential heart health benefits⁷ -⁹, al though not all evidence supports these outcomes.₁₀ ,₁₁ A growing body of research continues to examine the effect s of omega-3s in other areas, such as certain types of cancers, neurological disorders, arthritis and infant neurocognitive development. įatty fish and seafood, fish oils, krill oil, cod liver oil, algal oils As a result, consuming EPA and DHA through foods or supplements may be a more realistic way to ensure that the body obtains an adequate amount of th e se omega-3s. ALA can be converted into EPA and further into DHA in the liver, al though this process is inefficient. ⁶ĪLA cannot be formed in the body, so it is considered an essential fatty acid and must be obtained through the diet. EPA and DHA are considered to be “long-chain” omega-3s. The first part of the name (22:6) indicates that DHA is a 22-carbon fatty acid with six double bonds, whereas the second part (n-3) mean s that the first double bond is in the n-3 position, which qualifies it as an omega-3 fatty acid.⁴,⁵ ALA contains 18 carbon atoms, while EPA and DHA contain 20 and 22 carbon atoms, respectively. As an example, DHA has a structure of 22:6n-3. The naming of each fatty acid provides information regarding its chemical structure. These o mega-3 fatty acid s contain their first double bond on the third carbon molecule from the methyl (or omega ) end of the fatty acid ’s carbon chain. Omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are a type of PUFA. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have more than one cis double bond in their carbon chain. Understanding the role of omega-3 fatty acids in human health begins with knowledge of the chemical makeup of fatty acids, which are distinguished based on the number of unsaturated bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. This fact sheet covers the current state of the science on these important compounds, as well as dietary recommendations and food sources of omega-3 fatty acids. ² Discoveries like these jumpstarted a massive body of research on omega-3 fatty acids and their effects on human health. T he low occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Inuits was attributed to their traditional diet, which is rich in marine animals and fish.¹ Other population studies have also shown that cultures with high fish consumption, such as Japan, have similarly low rates of CHD mortality. These fats gained the attention of researchers in the late 1970s during observational studies of Greenland Inuits. Of particular interest is a subgroup of dietary fats known as omega-3 fatty acids. They add flavor and texture to foods and at the same time can be a source of health-promoting, vital nutrients. It is well-established that dietary fats are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. Download the Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet here ![]()
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