Biochemical and cellular effects of fish and fish oils

The renewed interest in fish and fish oil has led to a re-examination of the biochemical and physiological basis of the preventive and therapeutic effects of fish and its components. Fatty acids are produced by a complex synthetic process. Unsaturated fatty acid derived from dietary sources are required for eicosanoid formation and are an integral part of cell wall and mitochondrial membranes. The beneficial role of fish oils is believed to stem from their being rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The dietary requirement of these fatty acids is a controversial issue but their essentiality for human health is being increasingly demonstrated and recognized. This review focusses on general aspects of lipid metabolism, biochemistry and physiological role of omega-3 fatty acids, and the unique characteristics of fatty acids found in fish. A subsequent review article will deal with metabolic and clinical aspects.