Abstract
Long-chain EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can be co-preventative and co-therapeutic. Current research suggests increasing accumulated long chain omega-3s for health benefits and as natural medicine in several major diseases. But many believe plant omega-3 sources are nutritionally and therapeutically equivalent to the EPA/DHA omega-3 in fish oil. Although healthy, precursor ALA bio-conversion to EPA is inefficient and production of DHA is nearly absent, limiting the protective value of ALA supplementation from flax-oil, for example. Along with pollutants certain fish acquire high levels of EPA/DHA as predatory species. However, the origin of EPA/DHA in aquatic ecosystems is algae. Certain microalgae produce high levels of EPA or DHA. Now, organically produced DHA-rich microalgae oil is available. Clinical trials with DHA-rich oil indicate comparable efficacies to fish oil for protection from cardiovascular risk factors by lowering plasma triglycerides and oxidative stress. This review discusses 1) omega-3 fatty acids in nutrition and medicine; 2) omega-3s in physiology and gene regulation; 3) possible protective mechanisms of EPA/DHA in major diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, cancer and type 2 diabetes; 4) EPA and DHA requirements considering fish oil safety; and 5) microalgae EPA and DHA-rich oils and recent clinical results.
Keywords: Omega-3s, Schizochytrium, Fish oil, EPA, DHA
Current Diabetes Reviews
Title: Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Nutrition and Medicine: Considering Microalgae Oil as a Vegetarian Source of EPA and DHA
Volume: 3 Issue: 3
Author(s): Scott D. Doughman, Srirama Krupanidhi and Carani B. Sanjeevi
Affiliation:
Keywords: Omega-3s, Schizochytrium, Fish oil, EPA, DHA
Abstract: Long-chain EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can be co-preventative and co-therapeutic. Current research suggests increasing accumulated long chain omega-3s for health benefits and as natural medicine in several major diseases. But many believe plant omega-3 sources are nutritionally and therapeutically equivalent to the EPA/DHA omega-3 in fish oil. Although healthy, precursor ALA bio-conversion to EPA is inefficient and production of DHA is nearly absent, limiting the protective value of ALA supplementation from flax-oil, for example. Along with pollutants certain fish acquire high levels of EPA/DHA as predatory species. However, the origin of EPA/DHA in aquatic ecosystems is algae. Certain microalgae produce high levels of EPA or DHA. Now, organically produced DHA-rich microalgae oil is available. Clinical trials with DHA-rich oil indicate comparable efficacies to fish oil for protection from cardiovascular risk factors by lowering plasma triglycerides and oxidative stress. This review discusses 1) omega-3 fatty acids in nutrition and medicine; 2) omega-3s in physiology and gene regulation; 3) possible protective mechanisms of EPA/DHA in major diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, cancer and type 2 diabetes; 4) EPA and DHA requirements considering fish oil safety; and 5) microalgae EPA and DHA-rich oils and recent clinical results.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Scott D. Doughman , Srirama Krupanidhi and Carani B. Sanjeevi , Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Nutrition and Medicine: Considering Microalgae Oil as a Vegetarian Source of EPA and DHA, Current Diabetes Reviews 2007; 3 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339907781368968
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339907781368968 |
Print ISSN 1573-3998 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6417 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Current Drugs and Nutraceuticals for the Treatment of Patients with Dyslipidemias
Current Pharmaceutical Design Modulating Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Function with Cholesterol Synthesis Inhibitors
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Anti Inflammatory Effects of High Density Lipoproteins
Current Medicinal Chemistry Hypertension, Prehypertension and Blood Pressure Related Diseases
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Changes in an Experimental Model of Syndrome X and Pharmacological Intervention on the Renin-Angiotensin- System
Current Vascular Pharmacology Segmentation of Short Axis CMR Images Using Hybrid Method
Current Medical Imaging Harnessing the Potential of Long Non-coding RNAs to Manage Metabolic Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Heart Rate Lowering by Inhibition of the Pacemaker Current: A New Therapeutic Perspective in Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Air Pollution Exposure and Blood Pressure: An Updated Review of the Literature
Current Pharmaceutical Design Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Current Cardiology Reviews Hypoxia and Fetal Heart Development
Current Molecular Medicine Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effect of <i>Iris taochia</i> Plant Extracts on Human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells
Current Proteomics Nutrigenomics and Personalized Diet: What are the Anticipated Impacts for Research on Chronic Diseases and Public Health?
Current Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Overview
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry In Vivo, Cardiac-Specific Knockdown of a Target Protein, Malic Enzyme- 1, in Rat via Adenoviral Delivery of DNA for Non-Native miRNA
Current Gene Therapy Synergistic Two-Way Interactions of Dietary Polyphenols and Dietary Components on the Gut Microbial Composition: Is There a Positive, Negative, or Neutralizing Effect in the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Diseases?
Current Protein & Peptide Science Roles of Medicinal Plants and Constituents in Gynecological Cancer Therapy: Current Literature and Future Directions
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Are the Myokines the Mediators of Physical Activity-Induced Health Benefits?
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Biochemical Parameters and Vitamin D Levels in ICU Patients with Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Cardiac Innervation and Sudden Cardiac Death
Current Cardiology Reviews