METABOLIC EFFECTS OF OMEGA-3-FATTY-ACIDS

Biological effects of omega-3 fatty acids are related to their propert ies as structural components of cell membranes, their role as precurso rs of eicosanoids and their effects on lipoprotein metabolism. This is the basis for a great variety of metabolic effects, many of which of increasing medical interest. Particularly in the cardiovascular field, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have a wide spectrum of potent ially antiatherogenic effects. Among these are the inhibition of plate let aggregation, reduction of blood viscosity, lowering of blood press ure and suppression of inflammatory reactions in the arteriosclerotic plaque. The principal actions in lipid metabolism are a reduction in t riglycerides and a small increase in HDL2. The effect on LDL-cholester ol is complex and an adverse LDL-increase may occur in particular hype rlipoproteinemias.