Essential fatty acids and their derivatives.
OBJECTIVE
This review will address recent research in metabolism of essential fatty acids and their long chain derivatives. Our main focus will be the association between essential fatty acid status and various disease states, as well as the effects of supplementation with essential fatty acids or their derivatives on a number of clinical outcomes.


RESULTS
There have been several papers over the last few years that show links between supplementation with fish oil (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and cardiovascular disease. Recent data suggest that the use of fish oil (containing n-3 fatty acids) in a variety of disorders such as cystic fibrosis, coronary disease and in the prevention of sudden death is beneficial. Several papers show reductions in systemic markers of inflammation. More widespread use of essential fatty acid derivatives in infant formula can certainly be questioned on the basis of the recent data. Fewer benefits are seen with ingestion of the essential fatty acids themselves, likely related to limited conversion to their long chain derivatives in humans.


CONCLUSIONS
Derivatives of essential fatty acids have the potential to modify a number of disease states, either ingested in greater quantities in the diet, or taken as supplements in the form of fish oil.
McCowen
Karen C
KC
Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Bistrian
Bruce R
BR
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000378:metabolism; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006801:Humans; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000737:chemistry; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D012778:Short Bowel Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential