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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:38
Dietary Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: November 29, 2013
PUFA for human health: diet or supplementation?
1Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Scienze Cardiovascolari ed Immunologiche, Cattedra di Geriatria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy. p.abete@unina.it
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|January 1, 2010
Summary
Prescribed omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3) are the only FDA-approved option for treating hypertriglyceridemia. Dietary omega-3 supplements lack pharmaceutical control, raising concerns about their efficacy, quality, and safety.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are crucial for managing hypertriglyceridemia.
- Dietary sources like fatty fish provide modest levels of EPA and DHA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements with prescribed omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3).
- To examine sources, recommended intake, and formulation differences of omega-3 fatty acids.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed and FDA websites for reports published between 1995 and 2007.
- Focus on studies detailing omega-3 fatty acid sources, intake, and formulations.
Main Results:
- A significant limitation is the lack of head-to-head clinical trials comparing P-OM3 and dietary supplements.
- The efficacy, quality, and safety of many available omega-3 dietary supplements are questionable due to lack of pharmaceutical control.
Conclusions:
- Prescribed omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3) are the sole FDA-approved omega-3 product in the U.S. for improving health as a dietary adjunct.
- P-OM3 offers a controlled and approved option compared to unregulated dietary supplements.
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