Omega-3 fatty acids: Physiology, biological sources and potential applications in supportive cancer care

L. Pottel, M. Lycke, T. Boterberg, I. Foubert, H. Pottel, F. Duprez, L. Goethals, P. R. Debruyne*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)223-244
Number of pages22
JournalPhytochemistry Reviews
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2014
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Plant Science

Keywords

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Plant sources
  • Supportive cancer care

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