[Possibilities for correction of n-3 fatty acids insufficiency in the Hungarian population]

Long since several experiences have proved that the diverse fatty acids significantly differ in their effects on the human organism. These differences originate in the variety of the structure of the fatty acids, and the diverse structures are reflected in significantly diverse physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Among different fatty acids, n-6 and n-3 essential fatty acids are very important. Since they have had a vital importance in respect of growth, development and body functions, the population's food has to contain both fatty acids in a satisfactory amount. According to a general opinion, our national diet contains n-6 fatty acids in a proper amount: however, it is largely insufficient in n-3 fatty acids. Therefore, this unfavourable situation should be improved by a considerable increase of our consumption of n-3 fatty acids. The author has presented presumable reasons of this deficiency, and has highlighted that production, marketing and consumption of special 'functional foods', rich in n-3 fatty acids may considerably improve this unfavourable situation.