Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are widely used as supplements and pharmaceuticals because of their beneficial effects on human health. Triacylglycerols (TAG) and glycerophospholipids (GPL) comprise the primary chemical structures of DHA/EPA in marine sources. Furthermore, DHA/EPA-enriched glycerophospholipids (DHA/EPA-GPL) and lysoglycerophospholipids (DHA/EPA-LysoGPL) consumed through food and supplements are more effective than TAG in promoting health, which may be attributed to a specific underlying mechanism. However, the specific effects of DHA/EPA bound to GPL structure have been still unclear. The aim of this review is to clarify the significance of the binding of DHA/EPA to GPL in promoting the health benefits of DHA/EPA-GPL and DHA/EPA-LysoGPL. Additionally, the potential use of fishery by-products as sources of DHA/EPA-GPL and DHA/EPA-LysoGPL has been discussed.
Keywords: docosahexaenoic acid; eicosapentaenoic acid; glycerophospholipid; health; lysoglycerophospholipid.