Many epidemiologic, observational and randomized human clinical trials have demonstrated beyond doubt the protective cardiovascular effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Cardiac myocytes protection by omega-3 PUFAs involves several mechanisms which might have a synergistic effect. This review provides a summary of the in vitro and in vivo effects of omega-3 PUFAs on cardiac my...

We assessed the clinical and biochemical effects in asthmatic children of fish oil supplementation and a diet that increases omega-3 and reduces omega-6 fatty acids. Thirty nine asthmatic children aged 8-12 yrs participated in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial for 6 months during which they received fish oil capsules plus canola oil and margarine (omega-3 group) or safflower oil caps...

BACKGROUND Fish is the natural dietary source of vitamin D. Reports on the influence of purified omega-3 fatty acids on its uptake are scarce. OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of a purified high-dose omega-3 compound compared to corn oil on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels following an acute myocardial infarction. METHODS 228 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive a daily dose of ...

Previous studies have supported the benefit of increased intakes of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3 fatty acid during pregnancy and lactation (or via infant formula) on visual acuity in infants and young toddlers. The present study was directed to investigate the potential benefit of enhanced dietary omega-3 fatty acid intakes in children ages 7-12 on visual acuity. The study population comp...

In recent years there is growing interest on the role of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFA) in pregnancy and the growth and development of the offspring. We aim to characterize and provide baseline data on the intake of LCPUFA (omega-3 and omega-6) in a prospective cohort of 829 pregnant Indian women and report associations between LCPUFA intake and erythrocyte mem...

Full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were obtained from very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates to determine whether omega-3 (omega-3) fatty acids are essential for normal human retinal development. Eighty-one infants born at 30.4 (standard deviation, +/- 1.5) wk gestation were, within 10 d of birth, either enrolled to receive mother's milk (naturally containing both omega-6 and omega-3 essential...

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), such as omega-3 and omega-6 poly- and omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids are important nutrients and major components of neuronal cell membranes. They play a major role in modulating brain functions and physiology and may therefore diminish behavioral and physiological stress reactions in corroboration with decreased cortisol concentrations. Functionally, cortis...

As for saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, the omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are chemically linked to fat structures known as triglycerides in the various foods and oils that are consumed. The natural triglyceride or fat structure consists of a 3-carbon glycerol backbone onto which 3 long-chain fatty acids of varying types and structures are linked or 'esterified...