We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Optimal omegas – barriers and novel methods to narrow omega-3 gaps. A narrative review
Summary
This review examines why most people worldwide do not consume enough omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health. Researchers identified barriers including limited access to oily fish, concerns about environmental contaminants like microplastics in seafood, and sustainability issues with fishing. The study highlights emerging alternatives such as algae-based supplements and bioengineered plant oils as promising ways to close the global omega-3 gap.
Dietary intakes of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid are central to development and health across the life course. O3LC-PUFAs have been linked to neurological development, maternal and child health and the etiology of certain non-communicable diseases including age-related cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. However, dietary inadequacies exist in the United Kingdom and on a wider global scale. One predominant dietary source of O3LC-PUFAs is fish and fish oils. However, growing concerns about overfishing, oceanic contaminants such as dioxins and microplastics and the trend towards plant-based diets appear to be acting as cumulative barriers to O3LC-PUFAs from these food sources. Microalgae are an alternative provider of O3LC-PUFA-rich oils. The delivery of these into food systems is gaining interest. The present narrative review aims to discuss the present barriers to obtaining suitable levels of O3LC-PUFAs for health and wellbeing. It then discusses potential ways forward focusing on innovative delivery methods to utilize O3LC-PUFA-rich oils including the use of fortification strategies, bioengineered plants, microencapsulation, and microalgae.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
EPA and DHA in microalgae: Health benefits, biosynthesis, and metabolic engineering advances
This review examines how microalgae can be engineered to produce EPA and DHA, the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids traditionally sourced from fish oil. Microalgae offer a sustainable alternative because fish oil production is threatened by overfishing and climate change. While not directly about microplastics, this research matters because microplastic contamination of seafood is making algae-based omega-3 sources increasingly attractive for human nutrition.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)—Should They Be Mandatory Supplements in Pregnancy?
This review covers the role of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA during pregnancy and breastfeeding, finding they support fetal brain and eye development and may reduce the risk of preterm birth. While not directly about microplastics, it is relevant because seafood, the main source of these essential fats, is increasingly contaminated with microplastics. This creates a dilemma where the health benefits of eating fish must be weighed against potential microplastic exposure.
Determination of Microplastics in Omega-3 Oil Supplements
Researchers investigated the presence of microplastics in omega-3 oil supplements sold in the Korean market. They found microplastic contamination across various omega-3 products, with differences related to the source of raw materials and manufacturing processes. The study raises concerns about unintentional microplastic exposure through functional foods that people consume specifically for health benefits.
Expanded utilisation of microalgae in global aquafeeds
This review explores how microalgae can be used more widely in aquaculture feeds as a sustainable replacement for fish meal and fish oil. Microalgae provide essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidant pigments that support fish health and growth. While not directly about microplastics, expanding microalgae-based aquaculture feeds could reduce reliance on wild-caught fish from potentially microplastic-contaminated oceans.
Determination of Microplastics in Omega-3 Oil Supplements
Researchers analyzed omega-3 oil supplements sold in the Korean market for microplastic contamination, finding plastic particles present in both capsules and raw oil products. The study examined supplements sourced from both plant and marine origins to assess whether the raw material or manufacturing process contributed to contamination. Evidence indicates that microplastics are present in commonly consumed health supplements, highlighting a previously underexplored route of human exposure.