SEAL BLUBBER OIL - A NOVEL SOURCE OF OMEGA-3-FATTY-ACIDS

Marine oils are perceived as having beneficial health effects since th ey prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, among others. The omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been recognized as an essential die tary component. Extensive studies on laboratory animals and human subj ects have suggested that omega 3 fatty acids may be included in the ta rget tissues and cell membranes by dietary manipulation. The contribut ion of seal blubber to the total carcass weight is approximately 29% a nd it contains a high amount of long-chain omega 3 fatty acids. Tradit ionally seal blubber oil has been used for industrial purposes, howeve r, recent research findings have shown its potential application in fo ods as well as production of omega 3 fatty acid concentrates. This rev iew discusses production of concentrates from seal blubber oil.