Beneficial properties of omega-3 fatty acids in human disease
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Published
29-10-2020
Maitane Serrano
Irantzu Rico-Barrio Leire Lekunberri Almudena Ramos-Uriarte Nagore Puente Izaskun Elezgarai Pedro Grandes
Irantzu Rico-Barrio Leire Lekunberri Almudena Ramos-Uriarte Nagore Puente Izaskun Elezgarai Pedro Grandes
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids (FA) are essential long-chain polyunsaturated FA, amongst others, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The main food source of omega-3 is the oily fish which is found in salmon, anchovy or tuna. A diet enriched with omega-3 is known to favour healthy states by promoting molecular and functional changes during brain damage recovery, membranes fluidity, energy metabolism regulation, release of signalling molecules or gene expression. Likewise, the activation of signalling pathways by omega-3 improves neural transmission and plasticity and decreases oxidative stress and inflammation in cells, particularly in neurons. Therefore, omega-3 supplements have been used to prevent or treat many human disorders. This review is intended to provide the state-of-the art of omega-3 as a natural component with beneficial therapeutic properties in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer and Parkinson), cancer, alcoholism and overweight. Lastly, some insights into the potential benefits of omega-3 supplementation to dodge or treat some other diseases in the future are also considered.
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Keywords
Omega-3, fatty acids, diet, cardiovascular disease, brain disease, metabolism disorders, therapy
Issue
Section
Ale Arrunta
(C) UPV/EHU Press
CC-BY-NC-SA