Products based on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and health effects

The potential role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in preventing cardiovascular (CV) disease has been studied for decades. Docosaexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are known to be most important ω-3 PUFAs for their beneficial roles in human health. The American Heart Association has recommended a comparatively higher daily dosage of 500 mg of ω-3 PUFA for healthy adults. Therefore, demand for ω-3 PUFA enriched fish oil has shown a steady increase during the recent year. Thus, the extraction of ω-3 enriched oils from fish and fish by-products gained tremendous importance. In this chapter, sources and benefits of ω-3 PUFAs on human health and the extraction methods of omega-3 fatty acids are discussed.