Abstract
The impact of the Western diet on chronic diseases, such as cancer, has been well recognized. Dietary saturated and trans fatty acids have been found to play a negative role in obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, while the beneficial health effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have become widely accepted. Despite the current knowledge, n-3 PUFA intake is still under recommended daily intake levels in Europe. As wild fish, currently still the major source of n-3 PUFA, are facing a decline, alternative sources such as marine and plant (both natural and transgenic) sources are being explored. In this review we aim to provide an overview of the current biological sources of n-3 PUFAs, their part in normal physiology, as well as their emerging application in supportive cancer care, and more specifically in cancer cachexia, therapy-related neurocognitive dysfunction and distress. In addition, we provide a brief summary of currently ongoing clinical trials examining potential beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs in reducing cancer(therapy)-related side effects, and describe future research directions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 223-244 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | Phytochemistry Reviews |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Plant Science
Keywords
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Plant sources
- Supportive cancer care