An introduction to dietary/supplemental omega-3 fatty acids for general health and prevention: Part I

The correction of a subtle nutritional deficiency that may reduce the risk of a future chronic disease is indeed a challenge. However, some specific examples in the past, such as the addition of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis, should provide some encouragement that some conditions can be prevented with the appropriate addition of a deficient compound. One of the most intriguing current and future impacts on public health may come from a greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The omega-3 fatty acids continue to accumulate research that suggests that may prevent a variety of diverse chronic diseases and potentially some acute clinical scenarios. In Part I of this manuscript the potential for these compounds to prevent certain cardiovascular conditions are discussed. In Part 2 the potential for an impact in arthritis, numerous areas of cancer research, depression, maternal and child health, neurological diseases, osteoporosis, and other medical disciplines are also briefly covered. The future appears bright for these agents, but specifically which conditions, who qualifies, testing, frequency, adequate sources, future trials and numerous other questions need to be addressed and answered before the potential impact can catch up to the recent hype. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.