Chapter 13 - Medicinal Effects of Microalgae-Derived Fatty Acids

Abstract

The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and n-3 PUFA in particular, has been long known. It is recognized that n-3 PUFA prevents cardiovascular diseases, inhibits and treats inflammatory conditions, and aids brain development and function. For these reasons, the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have advised dietary intakes of 300–400mg of n-3 PUFA (e.g., eicosapentaenoic or EPA and docosahexaenoic or DHA) for the general adult population, provided mainly by oily fish. However, considering the close-to-depletion state of fish stocks and the safety concerns raised by fish contamination with metals and persistent organic pollutants, new sources of n-3 PUFA are needed. Microalgae are primary producers of n-3 PUFA, and some Chlorophyta species such as Nannochloropsis and Tetraselmis can be excellent sources of EPA, while the Haptophyta species Isochrysis galbana and Pavlova lutheri are outstanding sources of DHA. Besides being excellent n-3 PUFA producers, microalgae can be easily cultured and their EPA and DHA content can be modulated.