Stearidonic acid (18:4n-3): Sources, metabolism, and health effects-a systematic review

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the most biologically active members of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and are crucial for neonatal brain development, healthy aging, and disease prevention. Fatty fish has long served as our core source of long-chain n-3 PUFAs but sustainability concerns have raised interest in alternate sources. Plant-based PUFA sources have emerged as the next best alternatives. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) is converted to EPA more efficiently than α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) as it bypasses the rate-limiting desaturation step. Several studies have reported potential health benefits from novel plant sources of SDA in preclinical experimental models. This review collected original research articles and reviews on SDA published from 2015 to 2025 using a bibliometric and systematic approach to provide valuable insights into its global network and current state of knowledge. Furthermore, recent advancements in its natural and transgenic sources, nutritional implications, and future perspectives were discussed. Key findings indicated the United States (18.0%) and Spain (13.11%) are the leading countries and Pennsylvania State University is the top institute publishing research on SDA. The term map identified Buglossoides arvensis as the most extensively exploited source with emphasis on health improvement applications. Recent evidence has highlighted a notable role for SDA in EPA/DHA enrichment in vitro and in vivo, although research gaps like safe oil production, dosage statistics, and identifying precise metabolism still need to be addressed.