The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are present as Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). They are found in all tissues and cells in the human body with the cell membranes being particularly enriched. The levels in the human body are estimated by measuring the circulating levels in the blood. DHA is regarded as a physiologically-essential nutrient in the brain and retina of the eye where it supports optimal cognitive function (memory, learning ability, etc) and visual acuity, respectively. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy has been found to reduce the prevalence of premature infant births. DHA supplementation in breastfeeding mothers has been successful in providing DHA intakes for the term infant which meet recommended infant intakes for optimal development and health. Both EPA and DHA play important roles in supporting optimal health throughout the human life cycle including the prevention and management of many chronic and life-threatening conditions (cardiovascular disease (CVD), certain cancers, inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and dry eye syndrome).
The risk factors for CVD which are favourably modified by ingesting EPA/DHA include anti-thrombotic effects and the lowering of blood triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and the resting heart rate. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms by which these effects are mediated are well known. Many long-term clinical trials using supplemental EPA/DHA or EPA alone (including the very recent REDUCE-IT study) have reported a marked reduction in major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization due to unstable angina, and the need for coronary surgery).
The anti-inflammatory effects of EPA/DHA as found in various conditions are mediated via the reduction of pro-inflammatory products derived from the omega-6 fatty acid (arachidonic acid) as well as the generation of inflammatory-resolving bioactive products derived from EPA and DHA. Higher intakes of EPA/DHA have been associated with the retardation of age-related mental deterioration, a lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in both men and women, and benefits in mental disorders (including depression) in all age groups. Due to the very low consumption of fish/seafood as sources of EPA/DHA in North America, nutritional supplementation with EPA/DHA has become an important option for meeting recommended guidelines for EPA/DHA intakes and the intakes used in clinical trials which report beneficial outcomes in disease prevention and management.
CE credits
Canadian Residents: General- 1.0 credit; Category A-CONO; Category C-British Columbia
OANP: General- 1.0 credit
AANP: General- 1.0 credit
Dr Bruce Holub, PhD
Dr Bruce Holub is University Professor Emeritus, Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph. He received his BSc degree from the University of Guelph (1967) and his PhD (Major in Biochemistry with Minor in Nutrition) from the University of Toronto (1971).
Dr Holub received Post-doctoral training as an MRC Fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School. He has served as President, Nutrition Society of Canada and Chair, Nutrition Task Force (Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario). He has authored over 200 papers in scientific journals (medical, nutrition, other) in addition to various book chapters and conference proceedings. His research program is focused on dietary omega-3 fatty acids (DHA plus EPA) from fish/fish oils and resulting nutraceutical supplementation plus functional foods for human health and the roles for DHA/EPA in supporting optimal cognitive performance, visual acuity, and other health outcomes throughout the life cycle plus improving the prevention/management of cardiovascular disease risk factors /events and other chronic disorders (inflammatory conditions incl. arthritis and dry eye syndrome, certain cancers, asthma, mental deteriorations, others).
As well, he has been active in the evaluation of nutraceuticals and agri-foods for improving human health, disease prevention and management, and their potential for considerable cost-savings to the healthcare system. Dr Holub has had active collaborative research with clinical groups in various Canadian medical schools, the Mayo Clinic in the United States, Japan, Greenland, Turkey, and the nutritional supplement plus agri-food sectors. He has given over 450 invited off-campus lectures in over 20 countries.
Prof Holub also serves as Scientific Director for the DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute and a freely-accessible website that provides current evidence-based health and research information on DHA/EPA from fish/seafood, fish oils, DHA/EPA-enriched supplements, and functional foods containing DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acids at www.dhaomega3.org.
