New dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid: A critical view

Abstract:

Alpha-linolenic acid (C18: 3 omega-3, ALA) is an essential fatty acid that can be elongated and desaturated to become long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFA) having important functions in the body, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (C20: 5 omega-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22: 6 omega-3, DHA). However, the main metabolic fate of ALA is mitochondrial (SS)-oxidation (energy input), followed by deposition and a very low conversion ratio into omega-3 LCPUFA. However, in recent years a number of evidences have indicated that consumption of significant amounts of ALA can modify tissue levels of omega-3 LCPUFA, including DHA. Particularly, interesting differences in the conversion of ALA to LCPUFA omega-3 are observed, depending on the tissue where it is metabolized. This background, coupled with the low intake of omega-3 fatty acids (including ALA, EPA and …

Año de publicación:

2012

Keywords:

Fuente:

google