INTRODUCTION AND STRUCTURE

Omega-3 FAs are polyunsaturated, meaning they contain more than one double bond They are called omega-3, because the first double bond counting from the methyl end of the fatty acid is located at the third carbon atom

CLASSIFICATION

 Eskimos from Greenland. High intake of fat from fish but low rates of heart diseases.

 The scientific abbreviation is 18:3n-3, The first part (18:3) suggests that ALA is an 18carbon fatty acid with 3 double bonds The second part (n-3) tells you that ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid It is required for health, but cannot be synthesized in humans ALA is considered a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid Humans can synthesize other omega-3 fatty acids from ALA: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): 20:5n-3 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): 22:6n-3

 The scientific abbreviation for DHA is 22:6n-3. Found in very high concentrations in the cell membranes of the retina This is considered as a marine- derived omega-3 fatty acid

 The scientific abbreviation for EPA is 20:5n-3 Marine derived

Canola oil Fish liver oils, Fish eggs Human Milk Organ meats Fish : salmon, tuna, halibut, shrimp, cod, sardines, halibut Other seafood : algae and krill Plants : soybeans, tofu, kale, collard greens, winter squash Nuts and oils : flax seeds and walnuts

Nutrient Interactions Vitamin E, the primary fat-soluble antioxidant, protects omega 3 fats from oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical process that produces free radicals. Guidelines issued by the Workshop on the Essentiality of Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in 1999 sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH): People must consume at least: -2%of their total daily calories as omega-3 fats. e.g: person consuming 2000 calories per day should eat sufficient omega-3-rich foods to provide at least 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.

DRUG-NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS
Fish oil supplements containing high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce high blood pressure in people taking cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. In addition, a high dietary intake of omega 3 fats, especially from fish, may decrease blood pressure and thin the blood. People taking prescription blood pressure medications and/or anticoagulants should consult with their physician before taking fish oil supplements.

ON CELL MEMBRANES
Important for integrity. Cell to cell communication Nutrients Inhibits pro-inflammatory enzyme : cyclo oxygenase 2 Activates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor increases the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2, tumor suppressor genes that help repair damage to DNA, thus helping to prevent cancer development. Maintains the fluidity of cell membranes.

ON PROSTAGLANDIN PRODUCTION
Omega 3 fats play an important role in the production of powerful hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help regulate many important physiological functions including blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve transmission, the inflammatory and allergic responses, the functions of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and the production of other hormones.

ON INFLAMMATIONS
EPA has a direct anti-inflammatory role. RESOLVIN: a lipid product, is made from EPA and has an anti inflammatory effects on joints and improves blood flow. Resolvins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in animal studies, are made from EPA by our cellular enzymes, and work by -inhibiting the production and -regulating the migration of inflammatory cells and chemicals to sites of inflammation. Comparison with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and the COX-2

ON JOINTS
Arthritis is actually a health condition that affects countless older adults. It's generally brought on by inflammation that arises around the fluid in the joints. This nutrient has been shown to reduce inflammation, which might help prevent arthritis from taking place. Fats help to lubricate the joints and keep everything moving smoothly This is especially true, and important for athletes and runners Promotes joint health

ON THE EYES
IMPT ROLE IN EYE SIGHT Omega 3 is an essential constituent of the retina, out of which DHA comprises up to 93%. DHA deficiency in the photoreceptor cells spoils the fluidity in the cellular membranes and upsets its functioning. DHA supplements effectively address disorders such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and cataracts [evidentiary support.

ON SKIN
Free radicals are elements which are naturally identified in the body. Whenever these compounds build up in excess, they can result in damage to the skin as well as other parts of the body. This nutrient can help cut down the amount of free radicals in the body, which can help slow down the aging process.

ON BLOOD
Keeps blood from clotting excessively Decreases platelet aggregation prevents excessive clotting.

ON BLOOD VESSELS
inhibits thickening of the arteries by decreasing endothelial cells production increases the activity of another chemical derived from endothelial cells (endothelium-derived nitric oxide), which causes arteries to relax and dilate reduces the production of messenger chemicals called cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis

ON LIPID PROFILE
lowers the amount of lipids (fats such as cholesterol, vLDL, and triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream. Comparison of omega 3 and omega 6.

ON HEART
Omega 3 is acknowledged as the most important heart health related discovery of the 21st century. They lower blood pressure and levels of cholesterol, which will help protect against heart disease. In addition, this nutrient also helps prevent blood clots from being created DHA supplements help to keep the triglyceride levels in check. They are also attributed for increased HDL (good cholesterol) levels. In essence this nutrient can help you maintain the overall health of your cardiovascular system. Heart transplant recipients

ON THE BRAIN
brain contains between 60 to 70 percent DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid. This may be the reason it is so beneficial for mental health. Fish oil supplements, which provide this fatty acid, are often recommended for prevention and management of various mental disorders. They are also considered to be helpful by some experts in treating several cognitive and other mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, ADHD and bipolar disorder.

ON NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
. People who obtain the recommended amount of this nutrient are much
less likely to get Alzheimer's disease and dementia Docosahexaenoic Acid Promotes Neurite Growth in Hippocampal Neurons

ON STROKE
Also helps in prevention of stroke

ON OBESITY
reduces the risk of becoming obese and improve the body's ability to respond to insulin by - stimulating the secretion of leptin, a hormone that helps regulate - food intake - body weight and - metabolism, and is expressed primarily by adipocytes (fat cells)

ON DIABETES
Cell membrane and its receptivity to insulin Improves bodys ability to respond to insulin by the stimulation of secretion of leptin.

ON KIDNEYS AND RENAL DISEASE

EFAs can modulate cellular production of interleukins. Dialysis patients: observed for 5 yrs. Beneficial effect on immunoglobulin A nephropathy which is cause of glomerulosclerosis in the world progressive renal disease--- renal failure. Alters production of eicosanoids and inflammatory mediators. Manipulation of dietary fatty acids -- therapeutic influence---- on cells, receptors, disease pathways.

ON CANCER
Slowing cancer cell mitosis

Increasing cancer cell death

Altering estrogen metabolism Inducing differentiation Suppressing angiogenesis Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids seems to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. n3 fatty acids accumulate in biological membranes and may initiate signal-transduction processes or modify membrane structure.

Prostrate cancer
Lung cancer

ON PREGNANT MOTHERS

For pregnant mothers, it may support the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between mother and child. It also may also help prevent the development of preeclampsia. This occurs when a pregnant mother has high blood pressure. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help manage blood pressure for the pregnant mother. Can prevent early labor, and may even help to prevent post-partum depression (PPD). DHA decreases throughout pregnancy in the mother, particularly in the third trimester, as it is transferred to the fetus. When a mother is lacking in sufficient DHA and redistribution of DHA occurs to ensure optimal fetal brain, eye, immune and nervous system development, the depletion of the DHA can result in post partum depression. For this reason, nutritional experts advise pregnant women to consume omega-3 fatty acids which will help not only reduce the risks of health problems for the mother and baby before and after birth, but also ensure proper development of the fetal neurological system. In addition, mothers who supplement with omega-3 from fish oil while they are breast feeding can improve the early development of a newborn's brain, motor function, and visual system. supplementation of fish oil during pregnancy reduces the risk of a newborn developing the skin condition eczema. When DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) go through the cell membrane, they suppress inflammation that could possibly lead to skin reactions and different allergies that can occur during early childhood development. These findings were concluded after a study of seven hundred pregnant women revealed that expecting mothers who took fish oil supplements were compared to a placebo which showed that mothers taking fish oils has less incidences of infant eczema.

INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN

supporting proper brain development. Studies show that it may also help increase the intelligence of a child as well as improve memory.

PREVENTION OR TREATMENT
Alzheimer's disease Asthma Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Bipolar disorder Cancer Cardiovascular disease Depression Diabetes Eczema High blood pressure Migraine headaches Multiple sclerosis Obesity Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Psoriasis Rheumatoid arthritis

SIDE EFFECTS
The source of some omega-3 fatty acids may be a health concern.

People who are allergic to fish may have serious reactions to fish oil. Possible side effects such as belching, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and intestinal gas. Very high doses may cause a fishy body odor and/or "fish breath". In some people, fish oil supplementation has been reported to increase cholesterol LDL levels.However, others have reported that taking garlic supplements can counteract this effect. Diabetes:taking large amounts of fish oil may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Fish oil may have a blood-thinning effect, it is recommended that anyone taking anticoagulant medications (blood thinning medications) such as Coumadin or taking any over-the-counter blood thinners such as aspirin, consult with a physician before taking any supplements. Cod liver oil contains both vitamin A and D, and consuming excessive amounts of these two vitamins can cause toxicity and dangerous side effects. Flaxseed oil may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms as diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION