The health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a review of the evidence

J Hum Nutr Diet. 2004 Oct;17(5):449-59. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-277X.2004.00552.x.

Abstract

The UK dietary guidelines for cardiovascular disease acknowledge the importance of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) - a component of fish oils - in reducing heart disease risk. At the time, it was recommended that the average n-3 PUFA intake should be increased from 0.1 to 0.2 g day(-1). However, since the publication of these guidelines, a plethora of evidence relating to the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs, in areas other than heart disease, has emerged. The majority of intervention studies, which found associations between various conditions and the intake of fish oils or their derivatives, used n-3 intakes well above the 0.2 g day(-1) recommended by Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA). Furthermore, in 2004, the Food Standards Agency changed its advice on oil-rich fish creating a discrepancy between the levels of n-3 PUFA implied by the new advice and the 1994 COMA guideline. This review will examine published evidence from observational and intervention studies relating to the health effects of n-3 PUFAs, and discuss whether the current UK recommendation for long-chain n-3 PUFA needs to be revisited.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / physiology*
  • Fish Oils / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / prevention & control*
  • Mental Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Nutrition Policy
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils