Health Benefits, Food Applications, and Sustainability of Microalgae-Derived N-3 PUFA

Abstract

Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA in preventing, delaying, and intervening various diseases, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, depression, and many other ailments. The role of n-3 PUFA on aging and cognitive function is also one of the hot topics in basic research, product development, and clinical applications. For decades, n-3 PUFA, especially EPA and DHA, have been supplied by fish oil and seafood. With the continuous increase of global population, awareness about the health benefits of n-3 PUFA, and socioeconomic improvement worldwide, the supply chain is facing increasing challenges of insufficient production. In this regard, microalgae have been well considered as promising sources of n-3 PUFA oil to mitigate the supply shortages. The use of microalgae to produce n-3 PUFA-rich oils has been explored for over two decades and some species have already been used commercially to produce n-3 PUFA, in particular EPA- and/or DHA-rich oils. In addition to n-3 PUFA, microalgae biomass contains many other high value biomolecules, which can be used in food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical ingredient, and feedstock. The present review covers the health benefits of n-3 PUFA, EPA, and DHA, with particular attention given to the various approaches attempted in the nutritional interventions using EPA and DHA alone or combined with other nutrients and bioactive compounds towards improved health conditions in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. It also covers the applications of microalgae n-3 PUFA in food and dietary supplement sectors and the economic and environmental sustainability of using microalgae as a platform for n-3 PUFA-rich oil production.

Polygonatum kingianum Polysaccharides Enhance the Preventive Efficacy of Heat-Inactivated Limosilactobacillus reuteri WX-94 against High-Fat-High-Sucrose-Induced Liver Injury and Gut Dysbacteriosis

“…reuteri mitigated the HFHS-reduced PUFAs, including C18:2N6, C18:3N6, C20:4N6 (ARA), C22:5N3 (DPA), and C22:6N3 (DHA). PUDF (such as DHA, DPA, and ARA) has shown to prevent and alleviate various diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, inflammatory, and many other ailments. , Consistent effects were observed for PKP+L. reuteri, but the effect size was weaker than pasteurized PKP–L.…”

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of a Microalgae Extract Containing Fucoxanthin Combined with Guarana on Cognitive Function and Gaming Performance

“…Wang et al [19] also showed that the PT extract significantly decreases brain and blood inflammation (IL-6) and oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), which are mechanisms largely involved in cognitive performance. Moreover, microalgae varieties such as PT also contain LC-PUFAs and EPA that have been reported to reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, thereby providing neuroprotection [15][16][17]21,22]. Finally, since guarana contains caffeine, it may improve cognitive performance [11][12][13]73] and help maintain focus and mental energy by stimulating the central nervous system (e.g., blocking adenosine activity) [60].…”

Effects of hydrogen-rich water on antioxidant capacity, meat quality and cecum mic robiota of broiler chickens

“…On the other hand, unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated fatty acids (MFUA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), are considered essential nutrients for the human body. PUFA exhibit anti-in ammatory properties, promote brain development, and help prevent cardiovascular disease [22], MUFA also offer bene cial effects such as blood sugar regulation, blood lipid control, heart protection, and cholesterol reduction [23]. In this experiment, drinking hydrogen-rich water signi cantly reduced the proportion of C11:0 (SFA) in chicken breast meat and decreased the proportion of C22:1n9 (MUFA), while highly increasing the proportion of C16:1 (MUFA), C18:1n9c (MUFA), and total MUFA.…”