Omega3 Fatty Acids: Do They Raise Health Concerns?

A volume of epidemiological, experimental and clinical data reveals the beneficial effect of omega 3 class of fatty acids in a variety of human ailments. However, conflicting results do exist and long term use of these highly unsaturated fatty acids has been cautioned due to its susceptibility to oxidative changes. Enzymatic oxidation of well-known omega 3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is known to produce 4-hydroxy 2-hexanal (4-HHE), an alpha beta unsaturated aldehyde. The molecule has been shown to protect endothelial cells through Nuclear factor related erythroid factor 2 (Nrf2) mediated HO-1 expression while induce toxicity in neuronal cells. Also high levels of HHE protein adducts are reported in neuronal degenerative tissues. Therefore, it is likely that omega 3 fatty acids may have detrimental effect rather than beneficial effects when cellular/tissue redox status as well as fatty aldehyde detoxification system is challenged. The present review aims to open up a discussion on the possible health concerns upon long term consumption of omega3 fatty acids.