Eicosapentaenoic acid physiological effects

Either native winterized or concentrated whole-body fish oils or fish liver oils have been utilized in most studies as dietary source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The physiological effects and possible health benefits of administered fish oils generally have been attributed to either EPA or DHA alone or to a synergistic effect between the two. As a result, there has been controversy over the contribution of individual fish oil constituents to particular pharmacological actions and the optimal dosages required for achieving established and/or suspected beneficial effects. The predominant marine triglyceride-derived m-3-fatty acids are all-cA-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20 5i3, EPA) and all-ci.v-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosa-hexaenoic acid (C22 6,3, DHA). 

Several methods have been proposed to produce polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrates particularly high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Most PUFA enrichment methods are based upon a combination of techniques such as saponification, solvent extraction, urea fractionation, molecular distillation, fractionation distillation, liquid chromatography, and super critical carbondioxide extraction. Current evidence suggests that the physiological effects of omega-3 fatty acids are such that the annual world supply of fish oils will be grossly inadequate as a source of these materials, and alternative sources will be needed (Belarbi et al, 2000). 

The CO-3 and co-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty adds that comprise a family of several other fatty acids that are essential for different physiological prcxjesses in humans. a-Linolenic add and Unoleic add are the two main representative compounds of the CO-3 and co-6 fatty acids from which arachidonic add, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are synthesized. Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the properties and effects of these polyimsaturated fatty acids in the last decades. Today there is consensus on the benefits of a diet with adequate intake and balance of co-3 and co-6 fatty acids to ensure nutrient... 

Narayan, B. Miyashita, K. Hosokawa, M. Physiological effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)— A review. Food Rev. Inter. 2006b, 22, 291-307. 

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