Jumping on the omega-3 bandwagon: distinguishing the role of long-chain and short-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) are almost unanimously recognized for their health benefits, while only limited evidence of any health benefit is currently available specifically for the main precursor of these fatty acids, namely α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3). However, both the n-3 LC-PUFA and the short-chain C₁₈ PUFA (i.e., ALA) are commonly referred to as "omega-3" fatty acids, and it is difficult for consumers to recognize this difference. A current gap of many food labelling legislations worldwide allow products containing only ALA and without n-3 LC-PUFA to be marketed as "omega-3 source" and this misleading information can negatively impact the ability of consumers to choose more healthy diets. Within the context of the documented nutritional and health promoting roles of omega-3 fatty acids, we briefly review the different metabolic fates of dietary ALA and n-3 LC-PUFA. We also review food sources rich in n-3 LC-PUFA, some characteristics of LC-PUFA and current industry and regulatory trends. A further objective is to present a case for regulatory bodies to clearly distinguish food products containing only ALA from foods containing n-3 LC-PUFA. Such information, when available, would then avoid misleading information and empower consumers to make a more informed choice in their food purchasing behavior.
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC, Australia. giovanni.turchini@deakin.edu.au
Giovanni M
GM
Turchini
Peter D
PD
Nichols
Colin
C
Barrow
Andrew J
AJ
Sinclair
D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D005527:Food, Fortified / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D014943:Global Health; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; C026219:docosapentaenoic acid