Importance of n-3 fatty acids in health and disease.
In the past 2 decades, views about dietary n-3 fatty acids have moved from speculation about their functions to solid evidence that they are not only essential nutrients but also may favorably modulate many diseases. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), which is a vital component of the phospholipids of cellular membranes, especially in the brain and retina, is necessary for their proper functioning. n-3 Fatty acids favorably affect atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, inflammatory disease, and perhaps even behavioral disorders. The 38 articles in this supplement document the importance of n-3 fatty acids in both health and disease.
Connor
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Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97201, USA. connorw@ohsu.wpol
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D008297:Male; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid