Metabolic effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

Some metabolic effects of dietary marine oils, or of dietary eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid are reviewed. It is pointed out that docosahexaenoic acid appears more effective as regards induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation. Similarly, docosahexaenoic appears more powerful in terms of suppression of hepatic delta9-desaturase activity and mRNA-levels. The potential inhibitory effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid, on mitochondrial beta-oxidation is discussed. Experiments with rats suggesting that the hypolipidaemic response of eicosapentaenoic acid is more marked when the fatty acid was given to fed rats, as compared to fasted rats, are discussed.