Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Elderly: A Review

Abstract

The omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFAs) family includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Although seafood is the richest source of omega-3 LC-PUFAs, because diet alone is often insufficient in older people, they may require food supplements and enriched food as sources of omega-3 LC-PUFAs. It has been reported that long-term intake of 3-5 g/d EPA + DHA as supplements is safe for adults; omega-3 LC-PUFAs exert cardio-metabolic protective effects and improve cognitive health, mood, diabetes, insulin resistance, and vascular endothelial cell function. Furthermore, these acids exert beneficial effects on heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory problems, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Their pleiotropic nature is manifested as reduced triglyceride levels, management of hypertension, and obesity/metabolic syndrome, and reduced mortality. These key nutrients modulate inflammation and platelet aggregation and are effective in preventing and treating negative consequences of aging. A recent meta-analysis of EPA trials revealed a higher reduction in the relative risk in cardiovascular outcomes for EPA than for EPA + DHA. This review analyzes the influence of omega-3 PUFAs on the brain, heart, metabolism, vascular endothelial and immune functions, and muscle and bone health in the elderly.