Formulations containing alpha -linolenic acid (18:3, omega 3) and/or derivatives thereof, and process for their preparation and use in nutrition and medicine

摘要

The unsaturated fatty acids eicosatetraenoic acid (20:4, omega 6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20: 5, omega 3) play an extremely important role in human fat metabolism; from them are formed the metabolites prostaglandins and leucotrienes, present in every cell, which are essential for normal cell function. Eicosapentaenoic acid principally occurs in fish or fish products. A diet rich in eicosapentaenoic acid has a favourable effect on specific diseases from the prophylactic and therapeutic aspect. The supply necessary for this purpose of a considerable amount of fish or fish oil is associated with severe disadvantages such as low stability, part being in the liquid form, digestion and taste disturbance, increased supply of cholesterol and triglycerols which contain fatty acids other than eicosapentaenoic acid. alpha -Linolenic acid (18:3, omega 3) which occurs in linseed oil and other crops, is metabolised in the body to give eicosapentaenoic acid. The disadvantages of the fish diet can be avoided, retaining the same action, by using linseed oil and other alpha -linolenic acid-containing crops. The alpha -linolenic acid present in the linseed oil or in other crops can be isolated and then used itself, or better as a derivative, e.g. as the magnesium salt of alpha -linolenic acid; oral intake thus becomes significantly simpler and the taste is more pleasant. Linseed and linseed oil and the other... Original abstract incomplete.