Non-dietary factors associated with n-3 long-chain PUFA levels in humans - a systematic literature review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #age-factors #alcohol-drinking #body-mass-index #fatty-acids-omega-3

Non-dietary factors associated with n-3 long-chain PUFA levels in humans - a systematic literature review

de et al., 2019 | Br J Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

de Groot Renate H M, Emmett Rebecca, Meyer Barbara J. Non-dietary factors associated with n-3 long-chain PUFA levels in humans - a systematic literature review. Br J Nutr. 2019-Apr;121(7):793-808. doi:10.1017/S0007114519000138

Abstract

Numerous health benefits are attributed to the n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA); EPA and DHA. A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate factors, other than diet, that are associated with the n-3 LCPUFA levels. The inclusion criteria were papers written in English, carried out in adult non-pregnant humans, n-3 LCPUFA measured in blood or tissue, data from cross-sectional studies, or baseline data from intervention studies. The search revealed 5076 unique articles of which seventy were included in the qualitative synthesis. Three main groups of factors potentially associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels were identified: (1) unmodifiable factors (sex, genetics, age), (2) modifiable factors (body size, physical activity, alcohol, smoking) and (3) bioavailability factors (chemically bound form of supplements, krill oil v. fish oil, and conversion of plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) to n-3 LCPUFA). Results showed that factors positively associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels were age, female sex (women younger than 50 years), wine consumption and the TAG form. Factors negatively associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels were genetics, BMI (if erythrocyte EPA and DHA levels are <5·6 %) and smoking. The evidence for girth, physical activity and krill oil v. fish oil associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels is inconclusive. There is also evidence that higher ALA consumption leads to increased levels of EPA but not DHA. In conclusion, sex, age, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking and the form of n-3 LCPUFA are all factors that need to be taken into account in n-3 LCPUFA research.

Key Findings

In conclusion, sex, age, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking and the form of n-3 LCPUFA are all factors that need to be taken into account in n-3 LCPUFA research.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population adult non
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Body Mass Index
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09