Introduction to Essential Fatty Acids

• Certain omega‐3 fatty acids, such as α‐linolenic acid (ALA), and omega‐6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (LA), cannot be synthesized in the human body and are recognized as essential fatty acids. While some long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can be synthesized from the parent omega‐3 fatty acids (ALA), this is done at a very low conversion rate, hence it must be taken through diet to fulfill the daily intake requirement. Both EPA and DHA have several vital activities in the human body, such as anti‐inflammatory effects and being the structural component of the cell membrane. The fatty acids DHA, arachidonic acid (AA), and LA accumulate most usually in tissues, whereas DHA mostly accumulates in retina and brain gray matters and it is important for proper visual and neurological development during gestation period and postnatal period. Replacement of saturated fatty acids with omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids in daily diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and prevents diseases such as Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Proper EPA and DHA content also help individuals with type 2 diabetes to reduce the elevated serum triacylglycerides. It also facilitates infants to reduce the risks of fatal myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. Hence, as recommended by the American Heart Association, it is necessary to consume fish, and especially oily fish at least twice per week as it is an excellent source of these fatty acids. Marine fishes of Salmonidae, Scombridae, and Clupeidae families are important sources of omega‐3 fatty acids but due to the increasing demand of PUFA and diminishing aquatic ecosystem, fishes are not a sustainable source to serve as a long‐term feed‐stock for omega‐3. Plants can synthesize some of PUFA such as oleic acid, LA, GLA (γ‐linolenic acid), ALA, and octadecatetraenoic acid but due to lacking some essential enzymes for PUFA synthesis such as desaturase and elongases, they are incapable of synthesizing EPA and DHA. Oleaginous microalgae and thraustochytrids could be a sustainable option to produce microbial EPA and DHA.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Industriell bioteknik -- Bioprocessteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Industrial Biotechnology -- Bioprocess Technology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Oleaginous microorganisms

lipid accumulation

fatty acid profile

microalgae

nutraceuticals

omega‐3 fatty acid

human health

Biokemisk processteknik

Biochemical Process Engineering

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