19 - New marine sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)

Abstract

Publisher Summary Several recent dietary guidelines have advocated an increased consumption of long chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids [“PUFAs”] because of evidence that the consumption of these fatty acids is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is also growing recognition that long chain PUFAs, particularly arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, might be required in the diets of the neonate and that the maternal supply of DHA is largely dependent on the amount of DHA in her diet. The major long chain n-3 PUFA in human diets are eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA; their major dietary source is seafood. Only small amounts are found in lean red meat, organ meats such as liver and brain, and eggs, and only trace amounts are present in dairy products. Consequently, attempts to increase the dietary intake of these fatty acids imply an increased intake of fish. This chapter discusses the major barriers to increasing intakes from fish and considers alternative sources of long chain PUFAs from single cell oils.