title: ω-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Diseases: Effects, Mechanisms and Dietary Relevance.
abstract: ω-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have, since the 1970s, been associated with beneficial health effects. They are, however, prone to lipid peroxidation due to their many double bonds. Lipid peroxidation is a process that may lead to increased oxidative stress, a condition associated with adverse health effects. Recently, conflicting evidence regarding the health benefits of intake of n-3 from seafood or n-3 supplements has emerged. The aim of this review was thus to examine recent literature regarding health aspects of n-3 FA intake from fish or n-3 supplements, and to discuss possible reasons for the conflicting findings. There is a broad consensus that fish and seafood are the optimal sources of n-3 FA and consumption of approximately 2-3 servings per week is recommended. The scientific evidence of benefits from n-3 supplementation has diminished over time, probably due to a general increase in seafood consumption and better pharmacological intervention and acute treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
authors.affiliation: Norwegian College of Fishery Science Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UIT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. hanne.maehre@uit.no.
authors.forename: Hanne K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Maehre
authors.affiliation: Norwegian College of Fishery Science Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UIT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. ida-johanne.jensen@uit.no.
authors.forename: Ida-Johanne
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.affiliation: Norwegian College of Fishery Science Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UIT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. edel.elvevoll@uit.no.
authors.forename: Edel O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Elvevoll
authors.affiliation: Norwegian College of Fishery Science Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UIT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. karl-erik.eilertsen@uit.no.
authors.forename: Karl-Erik
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Eilertsen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D017747:Seafood / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid
keywords: cardiovascular diseases; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA); lipid peroxidation; n-3 fatty acids; seafood; supplements