Omega-3 Fatty Acids: From Natural Sources to Clinical Applications: An Integrative Review

Poonam  Sahu; Shiv Kumar  Bhardwaj; Abinash  Satapathy; Abhisek   Satapathy; Arvind   Kumar; Manoj  Kumar; Princy  Kashyap; Kunal   Chandrakar; Manisha   Chandrakar

doi:10.22270/jddt.v15i11.7463

Authors

Poonam Sahu Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4398-003X
Shiv Kumar Bhardwaj Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1454-4791
Abinash Satapathy College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, 491001, C.G, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3425-671X
Abhisek Satapathy Pt J.N.M. Medical College, Railway Station Rd, Moudhapara, Raipur-492001, C.G., India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6144-6328
Arvind Kumar Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalinga University, Kotni, Naya Raipur- 492001, C.G., India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0339-8354
Manoj Kumar Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9736-8932
Princy Kashyap Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7140-1362
Kunal Chandrakar University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1473-3714
Manisha Chandrakar University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential polyunsaturated fats known for their vital roles in cardiovascular, neurological, and inflammatory health. Growing awareness of their therapeutic benefits, coupled with sustainability concerns, has intensified research into their natural sources, biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications. This review provides an integrative synthesis of recent advances in omega-3 fatty acid research, encompassing their sources, bioavailability, sustainability, mechanisms of action, and clinical relevance. Plant-based oils, marine fish, krill, and microalgae remain key natural sources, while innovations such as algal oils and genetically engineered crops present sustainable alternatives. The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is inherently limited due to Δ6-desaturase and elongase enzyme constraints, with efficiency affected by genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors. Bioavailability is influenced by molecular form, with triglyceride, ethyl ester, and phospholipid structures displaying varying absorption and metabolic profiles. Mechanistically, omega-3 fatty acids regulate inflammation, maintain neuronal membrane integrity, and improve vascular function, with emerging evidence suggesting potential anti-cancer effects. Collectively, these insights underscore the significant preventive and therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acids and highlight the need for optimizing bioavailability, advancing sustainable production, and personalizing clinical applications to support future nutrition and healthcare strategies.

Keywords: Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid , Bioavailability, Sustainable nutrient sources, Clinical nutrition

Keywords:

Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid , Bioavailability, Sustainable nutrient sources, Clinical nutrition

DOI

https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i11.7463

Author Biographies

Poonam Sahu , Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India

Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India

Shiv Kumar Bhardwaj , Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India

Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India

Abinash Satapathy , College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, 491001, C.G, India

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, 491001, C.G, India

Abhisek Satapathy , Pt J.N.M. Medical College, Railway Station Rd, Moudhapara, Raipur-492001, C.G., India

Pt J.N.M. Medical College, Railway Station Rd, Moudhapara, Raipur-492001, C.G., India

Arvind Kumar , Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalinga University, Kotni, Naya Raipur- 492001, C.G., India

Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalinga University, Kotni, Naya Raipur- 492001, C.G., India

Manoj Kumar , Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India

Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India

Princy Kashyap , Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India

Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India

Kunal Chandrakar , University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India

University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India

Manisha Chandrakar , University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India

University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: From Natural Sources to Clinical Applications: An Integrative Review

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Poonam Sahu , Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India

Shiv Kumar Bhardwaj , Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Vill-Tekari, Near Vidhansabha, Raipur-493111, C.G., India

Abinash Satapathy , College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, 491001, C.G, India

Abhisek Satapathy , Pt J.N.M. Medical College, Railway Station Rd, Moudhapara, Raipur-492001, C.G., India

Arvind Kumar , Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalinga University, Kotni, Naya Raipur- 492001, C.G., India

Manoj Kumar , Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India

Princy Kashyap , Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Koni, Bilaspur-495009, C.G., India

Kunal Chandrakar , University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India

Manisha Chandrakar , University College of Pharmacy, CSVTU, Bhilai- 491107, C.G., India

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