omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids with multiple health benefits. The three most clinically relevant omega-3 LCPUFAs are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are primarily derived from fish oils, though they can also be found in plant sources such as seeds, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and beans. Omega-3 LCPUFAs are primarily used to reduce triglyceride levels in patients with very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL) as an adjunct to diet. They work by: - Inhibiting acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), a protein essential for triglyceride synthesis in the liver - Increasing mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta-oxidation of fatty acids in the liver - Decreasing lipogenesis in the liver - Increasing plasma lipoprotein lipase activity - Suppressing lipogenic gene expression by decreasing the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c Beyond their lipid-lowering effects, omega-3 LCPUFAs also have anti-inflammatory properties. They decrease the production of inflammatory molecules like eicosanoids and cytokines, and can reduce chronic inflammation associated with various diseases.

Brand names

LovazaOmtrygVascepaEpanova

Other names

omega-3 LCPUFAomega3 LCPUFAomega 3 LCPUFAomega-3 fatty acidsomega3 fatty acidsomega 3 fatty acidsomega-3-acid ethyl estersomega3-acid ethyl estersomega 3-acid ethyl estersicosapent ethylomega-3-carboxylic acidsomega3-carboxylic acidsomega 3-carboxylic acids