A Comprehensive Review of Chemistry, Sources and Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids, one of the key building blocks of cell membranes, have been of particular interest to scientists for many years. However, only a small group of the most important omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered. This full-length review presents a broad and relatively complete cross-section of knowledge about omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturates, and an outline of their modifications. This is important because all these subgroups undoubtedly play an important role in the function of organisms. Some monounsaturated omega-3s are pheromone precursors in insects. Polyunsaturates with a very long chain are commonly found in the central nervous system and mammalian testes, in sponge organisms, and are also immunomodulating agents. Numerous modifications of omega-3 acids are plant hormones. Their chemical structure, chemical binding (in triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and ethyl esters) and bioavailability have been widely discussed indicating a correlation between the last two. Particular attention is paid to the effective methods of supplementation, and a detailed list of sources of omega-3 acids is presented, with meticulous reference to the generally available food. Both the oral and parenteral routes of administration are taken into account, and the omega-3 transport through the blood-brain barrier is mentioned. Having different eating habits in mind, the interactions between food fatty acids intake are discussed. Omega-3 acids are very susceptible to oxidation, and storage conditions often lead to a dramatic increase in this exposure. Therefore, the effect of oxidation on their bioavailability is briefly outlined.

Wound healing grafts: Omega‐3 fatty acid lipid content differentiates the lipid profiles of acellular Atlantic cod skin from traditional dermal substitutes

“…Further analysis of their structure confirmed that these PCs were the main source of the 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3 fatty acids in the ACS. This difference has been described for other fish products, such as fish oil, where EPA and DHA are primarily linked to TAGs (Cholewski et al, 2018). In the case of the ACS, the omega-3 containing PCs most probably derive from parts of cellular membranes that remain on the graft.…”

“…The thickness of fish skin may contribute to its enhanced bacterial barrier properties when compared with thinner biological grafting materials, derived from the lining of internal organs. Perhaps most importantly, cold water fish is known to be rich in omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; Cholewski, Tomczykowa, & Tomczyk, ; Osman, Jaswir, Khaza'ai, & Hashim, ), and this may contribute to its properties of reducing local inflammation and promoting angiogenesis (Magnusson et al, ), thus supporting wound healing with concomitant pain relief and reduced scarring (Baldursson et al, ; Dorweiler et al, ).…”

Rounding the corner on residual risk: Implications of REDUCE‐IT for omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids treatment in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

“…In reality, the production of EPA and DHA from ALA is inconsequential. Making matters worse, omega‐6 PUFAs, which are often overly abundant in the western diet, dampen the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA . Thus, many experts consider EPA and DHA to be essential fatty acids …”

“…Making matters worse, omega-6 PUFAs, which are often overly abundant in the western diet, dampen the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA. 42,43 Thus, many experts consider EPA and DHA to be essential fatty acids. 43 Key dietary sources of EPA and DHA are oily fishes, 42 and several epidemiologic studies have found that groups of people who consume large amounts of such fish have lower rates of CV events and CV death compared with other populations (reviewed in Nishizaki et al 44 ).…”

The NASA Twins Study: The Effect of One Year in Space on Long-Chain Fatty Acid Desaturases and Elongases

“…Long-chain PUFA represent an important class of molecules to study in spaceflight, because they shape the basic architecture of the lipid bilayer in all cell membranes. This includes shaping the membrane architecture of neurons, synapses, the retina, and other highly electrically active elements of the brain [3]. It is noteworthy that the dry weight of the human brain is roughly 60% fat with an important dependence upon 20-and 22-carbon long-chain PUFA, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [4].…”