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 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advancing Diabetic Wound Healing: Mechanisms and Interventions
In recent years, diabetic wounds have become a global health concern with an increase in the incidence of diabetes. Diabetic wounds are a kind of chronic and refractory ulcer. It is generally due to microcirculatory disturbances and reduced levels of endogenous growth factors. Delayed cutaneous wound healing is a chronic ...read more
Advancing Insights into Type 1 Diabetes: From Mechanisms to Management
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) represents a significant global health challenge, requiring a deep understanding of its complex pathophysiology and the development of innovative strategies for prevention, treatment, and management. This thematic issue highlights the latest progress in understanding the autoimmune processes underlying T1D, advances in beta-cell biology, and novel therapeutic ...read more
Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in the Development of Secondary Diabetic Complications
Diabetes, along with its associated secondary complications, represents a significant global health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, reduced physical activity, environmental pollutants, and stress are pivotal factors in the onset of diabetes, particularly type-2 diabetes. Poorly managed hyperglycemia can lead to various complications, including neuropathy, ...read more

- 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
-
Deciphering the Neuroprotective Role of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists in Diabetic Neuropathy: Current Perspective and Future Directions
Current Protein & Peptide Science Cytopathological Mechanisms in Mitochondrial Disease
Current Chemical Biology Editorial [Hot Topic (1): Update on Inflammatory Processes Governing Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability and Reperfusion Injury (Guest Editors: Fabrizio Montecucco and Francois Mach)]
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Saffron-Based Crocin Prevents Early Lesions of Liver Cancer: In vivo, In vitro and Network Analyses
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery Update on Diagnostic and Treatment of Uncomplicated and Complicated Malaria in Adults and Selected Vulnerable Populations
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets Redox-Driven Events in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection and their Clinical Implications
Current HIV Research A Novel Treatment Strategy for Sepsis and Septic Shock Based on the Interactions between Prostanoids, Nitric Oxide, and 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Linseed Essential Oil – Source of Lipids as Active Ingredients for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals
Current Medicinal Chemistry Chemical Biology: Past, Present and Future
Current Chemical Biology Flavonoids: Prospective Drug Candidates
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Risk Factors, Mechanisms and Treatments of Thromboangiitis Obliterans: An Overview of Recent Research
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Roles of Vitamin D and Its Analogs in Inflammatory Diseases
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Approaches to Target Profiling of Natural Products
Current Medicinal Chemistry A Review Article on the Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants for Prevention and Treatment of Secondary Infection in Patients with COVID-19
Current Traditional Medicine Cardiac Involvement in ANCA (+) and ANCA (-) Churg-Strauss Syndrome Evaluated by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Targeting Molecular Imaging Approach for Detection of Infection and Inflammation by Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine Techniques
Current Medical Imaging Endotoxin, Toll-like Receptor-4, and Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Current Cardiology Reviews The Roles of Parathyroid Hormone and Calcitonin in Bone Remodeling: Prospects for Novel Therapeutics
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Thiazolidinediones
Current Drug Safety Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Scutellarein Alkyl Derivatives as Preventing Neurodegenerative Agents with Improved Lipid Soluble Properties
Medicinal Chemistry