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Omega-3 fatty acids: Fact sheet
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a critical role in maintaining
good health and ensuring normal development.
- PUFAs are made up of chains of fatty acids that differ in length and
the number and position of double bonds. These differences determine PUFAs' biological properties.
- Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds.
- Monounsaturated fatty acids contain one double bond.
- PUFAs contain more than one double bond.
- Molecules with the first double bond between the third and fourth
carbon atom from the methyl end are called omega-3 or n-3 fatty acids. Those with a double bond between the sixth
and seventh carbon atoms are known as omega-6 or n-6 fatty acids.
- Fats provide energy, form part of the membrane surrounding each cell
and are precursors of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes.
- We need to obtain two key PUFAs - linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic
acid - from our diets. These are the 'essential' fatty acids that the body converts into other PUFAs.
- Eating 200 to 300g of oily fish weekly or 4-8g of fish oil daily fulfills
the dietary requirements. But some patients may need to increase their intake.
- Babies, pre-term infants and pregnant women need LC-PUFAs to ensure
normal development of the brain and other nerve tissues.
- People with a personal or family history of heart disease or circulatory
problems may also benefit from a higher omega-3 PUFA intake.
- People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis often find increasing consumption
of omega-3 PUFA reduces pain and stiffness.
- Omega-3 PUFAs may alleviate infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis and diaper
dermatitis (nappy rash), protect smokers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and reduce the likelihood of
relapse in Crohn's disease.
- Still to be confirmed roles for PUFAs include treating pre-menstrual
syndrome, diebetes, multiple sclerosis, migraine, depression and cancer.
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