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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Analysis of Fatty Acid Content and Composition in Microalgae
Published on: October 1, 2013
From alga to omega; have we reached peak (fish) oil?
Paul R Clayton1, Szabolcs Ladi2
1Institute of Food, Brain & Behaviour, Oxford OX4 1JE, UK paulrclayton@gmail.com.
Abstract:
SummaryWhile the Inuit diet was highly cardio-protective and consuming oily fish within a Western diet is to a lesser degree, the case for purified fish oil supplements is less convincing. Purification of fish oil removes lipophilic polyphenols which likely contribute to the health benefits of oily fish; leaving the ω3 highly unsaturated fatty acids exposed and prone to conferring oxidative and inflammatory stress. The authors believe that due to such issues as dietary shift, it may now be inadvisable to prescribe or sell purified ω3 highly unsaturated fatty acids supplements, unless the appropriate co-factors are included.
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