Eicosapentaenoic Acid Sources, Health Effects and Role in Disease Prevention

Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have been part of the human diet since the beginning of mankind. With the recent discovery of the tremendous health benefits provided by fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); a growing progress is occurring in understanding their biological functions and mode of action as well as the introduction of EPA-enriched value-added foods and nutraceuticals. This book discusses the sources, health effects and role in disease prevention of EPA. Topics include the eicosapentaenoic acid role in bone metabolism, malignant diseases, mental health, and reducing coronary heart disease; identification and characterization of n-6 and n-3 fatty acid desaturase and elongase from acanthopagrus shlegelii; fractionation and concentration of omega-3 by molecular distillation; and combined supplmentation with EPA-rich fish oil and phytosterols can improve plasma lipid profile and c-reactive protein in hyperlipidemia.