Omega-3

Citation

(2009), "Omega-3", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 39 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2009.01739eab.010

Omega-3

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 39, Issue 5.

Preformed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), not eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), should be consumed to achieve an enhanced DHA status, which is important for optimal health, according to a recent statement from the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL).

According to ISSFAL, omega-3s are a subset of polyunsaturated fatty acids; however, not all omega-3s are created equal. DHA, EPA and ALA are the three major omega-3s, and each has distinct nutritional functions.

ALA is found in sources like flaxseed and walnuts.

EPA can be found in certain species of fatty fish and fish oils. Sources of DHA include algal oils, certain species of fatty fish, and fish oils.

DHA is critical for brain development and function and is an essential part of every brain cell. DHA is vital for infant brain development, DHA from human breast milk and DHA-supplemented infant formula contributes critical amounts of DHA for infants. DHA levels in infants and adults who consume fish or algal sources of DHA are greater than in those people who do not consume such sources.

According to the ISSFAL statement, neither ALA nor EPA supplementation of the diets of Westerners was able to significantly raise the bloodstream levels of DHA; however, consuming preformed DHA was quite effective at doing so. ALA, the precursor to EPA and DHA, is converted by the human body to EPA in small but significant amounts, but is converted to DHA at a rate of only 1 per cent or less. EPA is converted to DHA by the human body much more efficiently; however, still not at rates high enough to elevate DHA blood levels in order to support optimal health. According to the ISSFAL statement, recent scientific thinking has concluded that conversion of ALA to DHA is essentially negligible and unable to meet the body's needs for DHA.

DHA omega-3 is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes, and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages benefit from an adequate supply of DHA omega-3 in their diets. Scientific reviews highlight the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye development and function, as well as its importance in cardiovascular health. Clinical studies are underway to evaluate the role of DHA in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders. Leading experts around the world have noted that DHA is an important nutrient for health throughout the life cycle. Yet despite its importance, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes of DHA omega-3 in the world.

Fish are often incorrectly thought to be the only source of DHA omega-3. However, DHAs can be derived directly from microalgae, a renewable, sustainable source of DHA that does not deplete ocean resources.