Important Omega-3 Research Articles

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Isuru Gajanayake of Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in Solihull is a dual specialist in canine and feline internal medicine and nutrition and in this article explains the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and when supplementation is appropriate.

First record of a marine microalgal species, <i>Chlorella gloriosa</i> (Trebouxiophyceae) isolated from the Dokdo Islands, Korea

Chlorella gloriosa (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae) was isolated from seawater off the coast of the Dokdo Islands in Korea. An axenic culture was established using the streak-plate method on f/2 agar media supplemented with antibiotics, allowing identification of the isolate by morphological, molecular, and physiological analyses. The morphological characteristics observed by light and electron microscopy revealed typical morphologies of C. gloriosa species. The molecular phylogenetic inference drawn from the small-subunit 18S rRNA sequence verified that the microalgal strain belongs to C. gloriosa. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the isolate was rich in nutritionally important omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the high-value antioxidants lutein and violaxanthin were biosynthesized as accessory pigments by this microalga, with arabinose, galactose, and glucose as the major monosaccharides. Therefore, in this study, a Korean marine C. gloriosa species was discovered, characterized, and described, and subsequently added to the national culture collection.

First Use of Handheld Raman Spectroscopy to Analyze Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Intact Fish Oil Capsules.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are commercially important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils. Here we demonstrate that a handheld Raman spectrometer can be used to quantitate these compounds in intact fish oil capsules, avoiding oxidizing risk. Partial least squares regression models were prepared by relating Raman spectral variance to EPA and DHA concentrations determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters in 15 commercial samples containing 145-473 mg g-1 EPA and 101-260 mg·g-1 DHA. Handheld Fourier transform (FT)-Raman models had root mean square errors of cross-validation of 38 mg g-1, 24 mg g-1, and 32 mg·g-1 for EPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA, respectively. Models generated from a benchtop FT-Raman spectrometer had corresponding errors of 32 mg·g-1, 22 mg·g-1, and 26 mg·g-1. By comparison, average standard deviations from triplicate GC-MS analyses were 11 mg·g-1 for EPA and 9 mg·g-1 for DHA.

Physico-chemical Characterization, Profiling of Total Lipids and Triacylglycerol Molecular Species of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Rich <i>B. arvensis</i> Seed Oil from India

Buglossoides arvensis is indigenous to India and its seed oil is rich in unique and nutritionally important omega-3 fatty acid namely, stearidonic acid (SDA). It is a non-conventional oil seed plant and needs to be agronomically adapt for commercial utilization. In the present study, oil extracted from the agronomically adapted high yielding cultivar of B. arvensis seeds was analyzed for its oil content, fatty acid (FA) composition, physico-chemical characteristics, total lipids and triacylglycerol molecular species. The oil content, peroxide, acid, iodine, p-anisidine values and tocopherol content of the oil were 18.53% (w/w), 2.06 meq of active oxygen / kg of oil, 2.55 mg KOH/g oil, 217.2 g I2/100g oil, 10.7 and 774.8 mg/kg oil respectively. Oxidative stability as determined by the induction period was found to be 3.1 h. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of the oil was 81.3% (of total FA), comprising of α-linolenic acid (ALA; 48.5%), SDA (18.6%), linoleic acid (LA; 10.3%) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA; 3.9%). Profiling of lipid classes showed neutral lipids (89.3%, w/w) as most abundant lipid class followed by glycolipids (7.4%, w/w) and phospholipids (3.3%, w/w). High resolution mass spectrometric analysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species showed TAGs with C54 carbons in the acyl chain as most abundant. Positional distribution analysis showed GLA and SDA predominantly at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol. FTIR analysis revealed common characteristics molecular features similar to PUFA rich oils. Overall, the results suggest that B. arvensis seed oil is an excellent ω3-ω6-ω3 or ALA-SDA-GLA source for food and nutraceutical industries.

A Comprehensive Review of Chemistry, Sources and Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids, one of the key building blocks of cell membranes, have been of particular interest to scientists for many years. However, only a small group of the most important omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered. This full-length review presents a broad and relatively complete cross-section of knowledge about omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturates, and an outline of their modifications. This is important because all these subgroups undoubtedly play an important role in the function of organisms. Some monounsaturated omega-3s are pheromone precursors in insects. Polyunsaturates with a very long chain are commonly found in the central nervous system and mammalian testes, in sponge organisms, and are also immunomodulating agents. Numerous modifications of omega-3 acids are plant hormones. Their chemical structure, chemical binding (in triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and ethyl esters) and bioavailability have been widely discussed indicating a correlation between the last two. Particular attention is paid to the effective methods of supplementation, and a detailed list of sources of omega-3 acids is presented, with meticulous reference to the generally available food. Both the oral and parenteral routes of administration are taken into account, and the omega-3 transport through the blood-brain barrier is mentioned. Having different eating habits in mind, the interactions between food fatty acids intake are discussed. Omega-3 acids are very susceptible to oxidation, and storage conditions often lead to a dramatic increase in this exposure. Therefore, the effect of oxidation on their bioavailability is briefly outlined.

Review on Omega-3-Supplementation in Eating Disorders

Background: Eating disorders are complex, potentially life-threatening conditions, characterised by disturbances in eating behaviours and extreme fear of weight gain with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Individuals avoid fattening foods. This avoidance of fattening foods may lead to the avoidance of foods which may include those with omega 3 fatty acids. Aim of the work: Aim of the review is to explore the consequence of starvation on the brain both in adolescence and in adults and particularly due to omega 3 deprivation. It also aims to explore the role of the benefits and possible mechanisms of omega 3 supplementation on other mental health conditions and to consider these implications for eating disorders. Methods: The search was undertaken by using PubMed and the search terms , eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and Omega-3. Alternatively, search terms such as depression, schizophrenia or other mental health conditions and omega-3 were used. References lists of identified reviews and articles were also searched for relevant empirical studies. Results: According to a growing body of evidence, the role and importance of omega-3 fatty acids in mental health is well-recognised and well-established to be beneficial. Fatty acids are fundamental components of the brain and are necessary for normal body physiology. Since the body cannot synthesize these fats, it has to be completely obtained from the diet. Brain tissue is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have a major role within cell membranes and in connections between neurons.Omega-3 FAs deprivation may be correlated with the happening of many psychiatric conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Conclusion: The clinical research evidence on omega-3 supplements in eating disorders is preliminary and not definitive in comparison to other mental health disorders. Thus, this will be an important area for future research, and may lead to the development of newer interventions.

Review on Omega-3-Supplementation in Eating Disorders

Background: Eating disorders are complex, potentially life-threatening conditions, characterised by disturbances in eating behaviours and extreme fear of weight gain with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Individuals avoid fattening foods. This avoidance of fattening foods may lead to the avoidance of foods which may include those with omega 3 fatty acids. Aim of the work: Aim of the review is to explore the consequence of starvation on the brain both in adolescence and in adults and particularly due to omega 3 deprivation. It also aims to explore the role of the benefits and possible mechanisms of omega 3 supplementation on other mental health conditions and to consider these implications for eating disorders. Methods: The search was undertaken by using PubMed and the search terms , eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and Omega-3. Alternatively, search terms such as depression, schizophrenia or other mental health conditions and omega-3 were used. References lists of identified reviews and articles were also searched for relevant empirical studies. Results: According to a growing body of evidence, the role and importance of omega-3 fatty acids in mental health is well-recognised and well-established to be beneficial. Fatty acids are fundamental components of the brain and are necessary for normal body physiology. Since the body cannot synthesize these fats, it has to be completely obtained from the diet. Brain tissue is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have a major role within cell membranes and in connections between neurons.Omega-3 FAs deprivation may be correlated with the happening of many psychiatric conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Conclusion: The clinical research evidence on omega-3 supplements in eating disorders is preliminary and not definitive in comparison to other mental health disorders. Thus, this will be an important area for future research, and may lead to the development of newer interventions.

Capacity for eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid biosynthesis in silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus): Functional characterisation of a Δ6/Δ8/Δ5 Fads2 desaturase and Elovl5 elongase

The silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus), a widely distributed cyprinid in Southeast Asia, has a reasonable deposition of the physiologically important omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), implying the existence of a functional LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathway. In relation to this, the cloning and functional characterisation of a fatty acyl desaturase (Fads) and fatty acyl elongase (Elovl) were examined to elucidate the capacity of silver barb in converting α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3) into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and subsequently docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), and linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6) into arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4n-6). Sequence analysis showed that the cloned cDNAs correspond to fads2 and elovl5. In terms of function, the Fads2 showed Δ6, Δ5 and Δ8 desaturation activities, while the Elovl5 showed activities towards polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) substrates at preference of C18 > C20 > C22. Both enzymes showed higher activities towards n-3 PUFAs as compared to n-6 PUFAs. Taken together, these results showed the presence of all the required enzymes for biosynthesis of EPA and ARA from ALA and LA, respectively in silver barb fish. Both genes are highly expressed in brain and liver. Juvenile fish fed with ALA-rich diet showed higher expression of hepatic fads2 and elovl5 than to those fed with LC-PUFA-rich diet. Dietary ALA also contributed to the biosynthesis and deposition of EPA and DHA in fish tissues, albeit lower than levels achieved with the fish oil (FO)-based diet. Overall, this study shows the presence of functional Fads2 and Elovl5 in a farmed cyprinid species, which contributes to LC-PUFA biosynthesis during limited dietary LC-PUFA intake.

Comparisons of reproductive function and fatty acid fillet quality between triploid and diploid farm Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Triploidy could prevent escaped farm salmon breeding in the wild, while also improving nutrient quality within farmed fillets. Despite these potential advantages, triploid Atlantic salmon have not been widely used in aquaculture, and their reproductive function has yet to be fully evaluated. Here, we compare reproductive function and fillet composition between triploid and diploid farm salmon under standard aquaculture rearing conditions. We show that female triploids are sterile and do not develop gonads. By contrast, males produce large numbers of motile spermatozoa capable of fertilizing wild salmon eggs. However, compared with diploids, reproductive development and survival rates of eggs fertilized by triploid males were significantly reduced, with less than 1% of eggs sired by triploid males reaching late-eyed stages of development. Analyses of fillets showed that total lipid and fatty acid quantities were significantly lower in triploid than in diploid Atlantic salmon fillets. However, when fatty acids were normalized to total lipid content, triploid fillets had significantly higher relative levels of important omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our results show that: (i) escaped triploid farm salmon are very unlikely to reproduce in the wild and (ii) if able to match diploid fillet lipid content, triploid farm salmon could achieve better fillet quality in terms of essential fatty acids.

The essential omega-3 fatty acid EPA affects expression of genes involved in the metabolism of omega-6-derived eicosanoids in Daphnia magna

Eicosanoids are an important class of signalling molecules derived from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Some recent research had started to investigate the eicosanoid pathway in Daphnia magna, but focussed mostly on the role of omega-6 PUFAs, rather than on the nutritionally important omega-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is known to determine the trophic transfer efficiency from phytoplankton to cladoceran zooplankton in freshwater foodwebs. To test for the relevance of EPA for the expression of genes in the eicosanoid pathway, we conducted highly controlled feeding experiments with D. magna under two temperature conditions and supplemented diets differing only in their EPA contents. Some, but not all genes previously reported to be related to the eicosanoid metabolism of D. magna, were significantly upregulated when EPA was available in the diet. Other genes from the eicosanoid pathway and two control genes not related to eicosanoid metabolism were unaffected by dietary EPA availability. Our data demonstrate that dietary omega-3 PUFA availability affects the expression of some genes typically considered to be part of the omega-6 PUFA-dependent eicosanoid metabolism. These findings may thus advance our understanding of the biochemical physiology of this essential dietary compound and its role for zooplankton nutrition.

Marine Cryptophytes Are Great Sources of EPA and DHA.

Microalgae have the ability to synthetize many compounds, some of which have been recognized as a source of functional ingredients for nutraceuticals with positive health effects. One well-known example is the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are essential for human nutrition. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the two most important long-chain omega-3 (ω-3) PUFAs involved in human physiology, and both industries are almost exclusively based on microalgae. In addition, algae produce phytosterols that reduce serum cholesterol. Here we determined the growth rates, biomass yields, PUFA and sterol content, and daily gain of eight strains of marine cryptophytes. The maximal growth rates of the cryptophytes varied between 0.34–0.70 divisions day−1, which is relatively good in relation to previously screened algal taxa. The studied cryptophytes were extremely rich in ω-3 PUFAs, especially in EPA and DHA (range 5.8–12.5 and 0.8–6.1 µg mg dry weight−1, respectively), but their sterol concentrations were low. Among the studied strains, Storeatula major was superior in PUFA production, and it also produces all PUFAs, i.e., α-linolenic acid (ALA), stearidonic acid (SDA), EPA, and DHA, which is rare in phytoplankton in general. We conclude that marine cryptophytes are a good alternative for the ecologically sustainable and profitable production of health-promoting lipids.

Meta-analysis of factors associated with omega-3 fatty acid contents of wild fish

Fish are recognized as the main source of physiologically important omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for human nutrition. However, muscle tissue contents of these fatty acids in diverse fish species, i.e., their nutritive value for humans, varied within two orders of magnitude. We reviewed contents of EPA and DHA, measured by similar methods using an internal standard during chromatography as mg per g of wet mass in 172 fish species belonging to 16 orders, to evaluate probable variations in phylogenetic and ecological drivers. EPA + DHA content varied from 25.6 mg g−1 of wet mass (Sardinops sagax) to 0.12 mg g−1 (Gymnura spp.). Multidimensional redundancy analysis revealed that among phylogenetic, ecomorphological and abiotic environmental factors, the highest proportion of variation contribution belonged to the shared contribution of sets of phylogenetic and ecomorphological factors. Specifically, the highest values of EPA + DHA content were characteristic of fish belonging to the orders Clupeiformes or Salmoniformes, were pelagic fast swimmers, ate zooplankton and inhabited marine waters or migrated from fresh to marine waters (anadromous migrations). High EPA and DHA content in muscle tissues of the above species appeared to be a metabolic adaptation for fast continuous swimming. In contrast to common beliefs, our meta-analysis did not support the significant influence of higher trophic levels (piscivory) and cold environments (homeoviscous adaptation) on EPA and DHA content in fish. However, many causes of high and low levels of physiologically important fatty acids in certain fish species remained unexplained and require evaluation in future studies.

Evaluation of the oxidative stability of chia oil-loaded microparticles by thermal, spectroscopic and chemometric methods

Chia oil has been widely studied due to its benefits to human health, being source of important omega-3 and omega-6. Encapsulation has been studied in order to protect the oil from thermal degradation. In this work, oil from chia seeds was microencapsulated in carnauba wax and thermal stability was evaluated not only by thermal methods but also Spectroscopy and chemometric based analyses. High encapsulation efficiency of both omega-3 and -6 (up to 97%) was verified. Particles presented micrometric sizes, spherical shape and no fissures. Differential Scanning Calorimetry was applied in isothermal and non-isothermal modes and kinetic parameters were determined using the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) method. An effective protection of the chia oil was verified by an increase in the oxidative stability in both isothermal (activation energy increased from 73.5 ± 1.5 to 91.8 ± 1.6 kJ mol−1) and non-isothermal (from 87.4 ± 2.1 to 97.3 ± 2.9 kJ mol−1) tests. Increase in the onset oxidation temperature and in the oxidation induction time were also detected. Chia oil and oil-loaded microparticles were subjected to accelerated stability test. Degradation was evaluated by the UV-Vis spectroscopy coupled to chemometry and also by the extinction coefficients, corroborating the increase in the oxidative stability.

Fresh cheese as a vehicle for polyunsaturated fatty acids integration: effect on physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics

Five different vegetable oils were used in the production of fresh cheese to increase the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly α-linolenic acid (ALA), the most important omega-3 fatty acid of vegetable origin. Physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of functionalized cheeses were evaluated after 1 and 3 days of ripening at 4 °C while the consumer appreciation was evaluated in the final product at 3 days of ripening. After 3 days, the cheeses with Camelina sativa and Echium plantagineum oils added exhibited the highest retention of PUFAs (mostly ALA) compared to those with flaxseed, raspberry and blackcurrant oils. The addition of oil showed little effects on physico-chemical characteristics and also consumers’ evaluation highlighted that all of the fresh cheeses were considered acceptable although those with flaxseed and raspberry oils were the most appreciated.

Curcumin and linseed oil co-delivered in phospholipid nanoemulsions enhances the levels of docosahexaenoic acid in serum and tissue lipids of rats

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) primarily found in marine fishes. The diets of vegetarian population do not contain preformed DHA, but they can derive it from shorter chain α-linolenic acid (ALA) found in plant oils. However, the conversion efficiency of ALA to DHA is minimal in human adults. This may cause insufficiency of DHA in the vegetarian population. Curcumin, diferuloyl methane found in the spice turmeric, has the potential to increase the formation of DHA from ALA by activating the enzymes FADS2 and elongase 2. The present study was designed to prepare curcumin nanoemulsion using phospholipid core material (Lipoid™) and exploring the possibility of enhancing its bioavailability and its impact on DHA levels in rats. Curcumin was dissolved in coconut oil (CNO, MCFA rich), Sunflower oil (SNO, n-6 PUFA rich) or Linseed oil (LSO, n-3 PUFA rich) and nanoemulsions were prepared after mixing with Lipoid™ using high pressure homogenizer. The nanoemulsions were fed to weaning rats for 60 days along with AIN-93 diets. Rats fed nanoemulsion containing curcumin in LSO showed high levels of curcumin in serum liver, heart and brain. Significant increase in DHA levels of serum and tissue lipids were observed in rats given LSO with curcumin in nanoemulsions. Therefore, supplementation of diets with ALA rich LSO and curcumin could increase DHA concentrations in serum, liver, heart and brain lipids which have implications for meeting the DHA requirements of vegetarian populations.

Bioengineered Plants Can Be a Useful Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids have proven to be very essential for human health due to their multiple health benefits. These essential fatty acids (EFAs) need to be uptaken through diet because they are unable to be produced by the human body. These are important for skin and hair growth as well as for proper visual, neural, and reproductive functions of the body. These fatty acids are proven to be extremely vital for normal tissue development during pregnancy and infancy. Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained mainly from two dietary sources: marine and plant oils. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6 n-3) are the primary marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids. Marine fishes are high in omega-3 fatty acids, yet high consumption of those fishes will cause a shortage of fish stocks existing naturally in the oceans. An alternative source to achieve the recommended daily intake of EFAs is the demand of today. In this review article, an attempt has, therefore, been made to discuss the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and the recent developments in order to produce these fatty acids by the genetic modifications of the plants.

Influence of surfactin on physical and oxidative stability of microemulsions with docosahexaenoic acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the most important omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), shows significant health benefits for human beings. In order to stabilize nutrients like DHA, microemulsion is normally used through the addition of surfactant, and surfactin as a natural peptide biosurfactant shows strong surface activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of surfactin on the stability of docosahexaenoic acid single cell oil (DHASCO) microemulsions. The microemusion region was significantly increased with elevated surfactin concentration from 0 to 0.2mmol/L, and reached a maximum. The o/w region of DHASCO microemulsion could significantly increase and the diameters of microemulsion particles were reduced from 140 to 15nm after addition of 0.2mmol/L surfactin into emulsion system. Generally, the physical and anti-oxidation stability of the o/w DHASCO microemulsion with surfactin was highly enhanced. DHA oxidation in microemulsion with surfaction was significantly reduced even stored at 37°C for 60days as compared to non-surfactin. The excellent properties of microemulsion with surfactin could be useful in functional food and medicine.

Highly Cross-Linked Epoxy Nanofiltration Membranes for the Separation of Organic Chemicals and Fish Oil Ethyl Esters

Membrane separations are highly desired for the chemical industry because they are inexpensive, avoid the use of heat, can be applied to the purification of a wide range of chemicals, and can be scaled to industrial levels. Separating chemicals with molecular weights between 100 and 300 g mol(-1) remains a significant challenge in the field of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) due to their similar sizes and rotational flexibility. In this work, we report the fabrication of poly(epoxy) membranes that show excellent selectivity of over 100:1 for chemicals in this range. The membranes are easily tuned to obtain different flux and selectivity by using interchangeable amine and epoxide monomers. These membranes were used to separate the important nutritional omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters eicosapentaenoic ethyl ester (EPA-EE) and docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester (DHA-EE) from each other, despite a small difference in molecular weight (26 g mol(-1)). This is the first example of a separation of EPA-EE and DHA-EE using a membrane process.

Impacto da suplementação com ácidos graxos ômega-3 nas subfrações da lipoproteína de alta densidade de indivíduos tabagistas

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da suplementação com ômega-3 nas subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade em indivíduos tabagistas. Métodos Ensaio clínico, randomizado, duplo-cego. Foi selecionada uma amostra com 33 tabagistas, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 30 e 60 anos, suplementados com ômega-3 (n=17) ou placebo (ácidos graxos ômega-6, n=16) por dois meses. As subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade foram analisadas pelo sistema Lipoprint. Os testes estatísticos foram realizados com o auxílio do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versão 20.0. Resultados A média de idade foi 49 anos, com predominância da raça branca. Após a intervenção, o grupo ômega-3 modificou positivamente o perfil lipídico e as subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade dos tabagistas. Nos modelos de regressão linear testados, o percentual de ácido docosahexaenoico plasmático apresentou associações negativas com o percentual das lipoproteínas de alta densidade-pequena. Conclusão A suplementação com ômega-3 está associada a uma alteração favorável na distribuição das subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade, aumentando as lipoproteínas de alta densidade-grande e diminuindo as lipoproteínas de alta densidade-pequena. Isso reforça a importância do ômega-3 na saúde cardiovascular de indivíduos tabagistas.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Management of Epilepsy

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with multiple double bonds. Linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids are omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs, precursors for the synthesis of long-chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs), such as arachidonic acid (omega-6 PUFA), and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (omega-3 PUFAs). The three most important omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, which cannot be synthesized in enough amounts by the body, and therefore they must be supplied by the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the correct functioning of the organism and participate in many physiological processes in the brain. Epilepsy is a common and heterogeneous chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures leading to neuropsychiatric disabilities. The prevalence of epilepsy is high achieving about 1% of the general population. There is evidence suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids may have neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects and, accordingly, may have a potential use in the treatment of epilepsy. In the present review, the potential use of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of epilepsy, and the possible proposed mechanisms of action are discussed. The present article summarizes the recent knowledge of the potential protective role of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in epilepsy.