Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids value for children

S.V. Nikolaieva¹, D.V. Usenko¹, E.K. Shushakova¹, O.A. Savvateieva², A.V. Gorelov^1,2

¹Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service on Customers’ Rights Protection and Human Well-being Surveillance, Moscow

²Sechenov University, Moscow

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which include omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are essential for the normal functioning of the body. The importance of omega-3 PUFAs for the human body is because they are the key structural components of all cell membranes, forming the basis of their phospholipid layer and affecting their flow property. This allows to maintain adequate functioning of enzymes embedded in the membrane in the active state, the correct conformation of cell receptors and, as a result, to implement the biological effects of omega-3 PUFAs: immunoregulatory, hypocholesterolemic, hypotriglyceridemic, antiatherogenic, anti-thrombogenic, vasodilating (hypotensive), anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, cardioprotective. The main sources of omega-3 PUFAs are flaxseed oil and cold-water fish oil. However, due to the specificity of nutrition sources, there is i nsufficient consumption of omega-3 PUFAs with food. The use of the additional omega-3 PUFAs is considered promising.

Keywords: immunity, unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, child development, fish oil.

For citation: Nikolaieva S.V., Usenko D.V., Shushakova E.K. et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids value for children. RMJ. 2020;2:28–32.