ABSTRACT
The beneœcial effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) from œsh and œsh oils in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have become a strong clinical focus. Several clinical and epidemiological studies have been conducted to determine the effects of LCn-3PUFA on various biological and physiological indexes. Research on the cardioprotective effects began 30 years ago from the original studies explaining the reduced incidence of CVD in Greenland Eskimos (Dyerberg et al. 1975). The scientiœc knowledge concerning omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) rapidly expanded and its beneœcial effects have now been demonstrated in a wide variety of chronic diseases. Studies have reported that LCn-3PUFA reduces in“ammation and the risk of certain cancers and arthritis. Emerging research has also demonstrated the importance of LCn-3PUFA for cognitive and behavioral function, weight management, and skin health. This chapter leads from the early basic research on LCn-3PUFA to the contemporary research of the current and emerging health issues. A brief review of LCn-3PUFA structure and biochemistry will be followed by an extensive review of epidemiological data, animal experiments, and dietary intervention studies.
