Plant-based stearidonic acid as sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acid with functional outcomes on human health

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#diet #dietary-supplements #docosahexaenoic-acids #eicosapentaenoic-acid #fatty-acids-omega-3

Plant-based stearidonic acid as sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acid with functional outcomes on human health

Prasad et al., 2021 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Prasad P, Anjali P, Sreedhar R V. Plant-based stearidonic acid as sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acid with functional outcomes on human health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(10):1725-1737. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1765137

Abstract

Dietary omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) are known to be potent biological regulators with therapeutic and preventive effects on human health. Many global health organizations have recommended consuming marine based omega-3 sources for neonatal brain development and reducing the risk of various chronic diseases. However, due to concerns regarding the origin, sustainable supply and safety of the marine sources, alternative n-3 PUFA sources are being explored. Recently, plant-based omega-3 sources are gaining much importance because of their sustainable supply and dietary acceptance. α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) rich seed oils are the major omega-3 fatty acid source available for human consumption. But, efficiency of conversion of ALA to n-3 LC-PUFAs in humans is limited due to a rate-limiting step in the n-3 pathway catalyzed by Δ6-desaturase. Botanical stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) rich oils are emerging as a sustainable omega-3 source with efficient conversion rate to n-3 LC-PUFA especially to EPA, as it bypasses the Δ6-desaturase rate limiting step. Several recent studies have identified the major plant sources of SDA and explored its potential health benefits and preventive roles in inflammation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. This systematic review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the sources, nutraceutical roles, food-based applications and the future perspectives of botanical SDA.

Key Findings

This systematic review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the sources, nutraceutical roles, food-based applications and the future perspectives of botanical SDA.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Diet
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

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