Omega 3 fatty acids – characteristics and activity

Abstract:

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered valuable because of their beneficial effects on health in general and heart and blood vessels in particular. Omega-3 fatty acids lower the levels of triglycerides, modulate inflammation and have antiarrhythmic activity. During the last several decades, interest in omega-3 acids and their role in health and disease is increasing. Numerous clinical and epidemiologic studies have shown positive effects of omega-3 acids on the child development, prevention and treatment of malignant and cardiovascular diseases and, recently, on different mental disorders including depression, dementia and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. The main sources of omega-3 acids are blue fish (sardine, anchovy, tuna, mackerel) and fish living in cold seas (salmon, herring), algae, zoo-plankton, shellfish, seeds and nuts. Enriched food and food supplements containing refined and concentrated fish oil are valuable sources of omega-. 3 acids in the human diet today. 

Key words:
docosahexaenoic acid; eikosapentaenoic acid; fatty acids, omega-3; hypertriglyceridemia