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Evaluating the Biological Activity and Effects on Human Health of Fish Oil and Its Omega-3 Fatty Acids

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Book cover Wild-Type Food in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Abstract

This chapter reviews the background, chemistry and specific efficacy of fish oils, specifically ω-3 fatty acids in the treatment and prevention of disease. Epidemiologic evidence appears strong showing its protective effects, although clinical trials with definitive data are still deficient. The mechanism by which ω-3 fatty acids may work on the nervous system and its anti-inflammatory effects are presented. Efforts should be made to ensure dietary intakes should provide sufficient amounts of these essential fatty acids through moderate intake of cold water fatty fish.

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  1. Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

    Adrian S. Dobs MD, MHS & Daniel Edelstein BS

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  1. Belovo S. A., Bastogne, Belgium

    Fabien De Meester PhD (President and CEO) (President and CEO)

  2. Division of Health Promotion Sciences Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health School of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

    Ronald Ross Watson PhD

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© 2008 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Dobs, A.S., Edelstein, D. (2008). Evaluating the Biological Activity and Effects on Human Health of Fish Oil and Its Omega-3 Fatty Acids. In: De Meester, F., Watson, R.R. (eds) Wild-Type Food in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-330-1_15

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