Role of omega-3 fatty acids in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases: a review of the evidence
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MINI REVIEW
Role of omega-3 fatty acids in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases: a review of the evidence Silvia Lorente-Cebrián & André G. V. Costa & Santiago Navas-Carretero & María Zabala & J. Alfredo Martínez & María J. Moreno-Aliaga
Received: 7 December 2012 / Accepted: 17 April 2013 / Published online: 22 June 2013 # University of Navarra 2013
Abstract The present review aims to illustrate current knowledge about the efficacy of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n−3 LC-PUFAs) in treating/preventing several metabolic pathologies. We reviewed systematically the published evidence on the effectiveness of n−3 LC-PUFAs fish consumption or n−3 LC-PUFAs supplementation on prevention/ treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Most of the reviewed studies were randomized-controlled interventional trials, although some relevant prospective and cross-sectional studies as well as some meta-analysis were also reviewed. Supplementation with n−3 LC-PUFAs might improve some obesity-associated metabolic syndrome features such as insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia by decreasing plasma triglycerides. Moreover, the blood pressure-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties of these fatty acids and their benefits in vascular function might confer cardioprotection. However, the efficacy S. Lorente-Cebrián : A. G. V. Costa : S. Navas-Carretero : M. Zabala : J. A. Martínez : M. J. Moreno-Aliaga (*) Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain e-mail: [email protected] A. G. V. Costa Departamento de Nutrição e Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil S. Navas-Carretero : J. A. Martínez : M. J. Moreno-Aliaga CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
of n−3 LC-PUFA on reducing myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, cardiac and sudden death, or stroke is controversial. Due to the beneficial actions of n−3 LCPUFAs, several worldwide government and health organizations have established some recommendations of n−3 LC-PUFAs intake for groups of population. In general, the recommended levels for diseases prevention are lower than those advised for particular treatments. However, more clinical trials are necessary to recommend the most effective dosages and formulas (type of n−3 LC-PUFA, EPA/DHA ratio) for specific pathologies. Keywords n−3 LC-PUFAs . Obesity . Insulin resistance . Dyslipidemia . Cardiovascular disease
Introduction Essential fatty acids: biological functions and mechanisms of action Dietary fat constitutes an essential macronutrient in all mammals since it participates in a number of biological functions in the maintenance of homeostasis. Among those, fatty acids are one of the many representatives which have important biological activities in all cell types and tissues. Fatty acids are usually termed as short (less than six), medium (between six and 12), or long-chain (more than 12) fatty acids depending on the number of
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