Search Results (912)

Off-odor development during retort sterilization limits the sensory quality of canned Antarctic krill, but measurements in whole krill cannot distinguish intrinsic fatty acid oxidation from matrix-dependent odor expression. To separate these effects, six major fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) were examined in a three-tier thermal oxidation model comprising fatty acid-only, lipid-depleted krill matrix, and complete krill meat systems heated at 115 °C for 36 min. Volatile profiles were characterized by gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS), together with peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), odor activity values (OAVs), sensory evaluation, and exploratory cross-tier correlation analysis. In the fatty acid-only model, EPA and DHA showed the highest POVs (5.26 ± 0.53 and 4.96 ± 0.57 meq/kg), whereas C16:1 and C18:1 produced broader volatile profiles. After matrix incorporation, these patterns changed: C18:1 supplementation was associated with a pronounced aldehydic profile, whereas DHA- and EPA-supplemented complete krill meat showed the highest TBARS values (3.37 ± 0.40 and 3.12 ± 0.37 mg MDA/kg) and high fishy odor scores (6.21 and 5.95). Total OAV was not significantly associated with fishy or oxidized odor, whereas (Z)-4-heptenal, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-ol, 1-penten-3-ol, and trimethylamine showed closer sensory associations. Thus, intrinsic oxidation potential did not directly predict off-odor intensity; sensory deterioration was more closely related to the matrix-dependent expression of selected potentially odor-active compounds than to fatty acid unsaturation or total OAV. Full article

Krill oil (KO) is a marine-derived nutritional ingredient distinguished by its unique structural composition and increasing relevance in human nutrition, particularly in the context of healthy aging and preservation of intrinsic capacity. Approximately 30–65% of its fatty acids are esterified to phospholipids, a molecular configuration associated with enhanced bioavailability and efficient tissue incorporation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, even at relatively low doses. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) originates from minimally impacted marine ecosystems, contributing to a favorable safety profile characterized by inherently low levels of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Beyond its structural and safety attributes, KO provides a complex nutrient matrix comprising approximately 25% total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including ~14% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and ~6.5% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), together with choline and astaxanthin. This compositional synergy may modulate inflammatory pathways, redox balance, membrane dynamics, and cellular signaling, thereby influencing physiological systems implicated in aging biology. This narrative review critically examines how these distinctive characteristics translate into clinically relevant outcomes supporting the multifunctional applications of KO in human nutrition. The analysis is structured within the framework of intrinsic capacity, encompassing locomotion, vitality, sensory, cognition and psychological dimensions, as a conceptual model for healthy aging. Considerations on bioavailability, tolerability, and sustainability are also discussed in the context of nutritional strategies promoting healthy longevity. Full article

Microalgae are recognized as sustainable biofactories for metabolites relevant to nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and marine drug applications. Nannochloropsis salina is notable for its production of bioactive lipids, including the pharmaceutically relevant omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Here, we evaluated orange peel extract (OPE), a citrus by-product, as a substrate for mixotrophic cultivation of N. salina within a bioeconomy framework. OPE supplementation triggered dose-dependent physiological responses. Among the tested OPE concentrations, 5% supplementation resulted in the highest total fatty acid content, increasing fatty acids from 24.4% (control) to 30.6% and EPA from 6.4% to 9.8%, whereas 10% OPE maintained biomass pigmentation. Higher OPE levels enhanced antioxidant potential, raising total antioxidant capacity from 4.6 (control) to 6.7 mg/g vitamin C equivalents (with 10% OPE), while the highest concentrations induced metabolic stress, reducing biomass and altering lipid composition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed biochemical adjustments consistent with metabolic reorganization, including increased intensities of the amide I and II bands associated with protein-rich structures. Overall, OPE emerges as a cost-effective supplement capable of modulating the biochemical quality of N. salina while valorizing agro-industrial residues. The increases in EPA and antioxidant capacity support the potential of OPE-supplemented cultures as a platform for the production of marine-derived bioactive compounds. Full article

Within the emerging field of nutritional neuroscience, omega-3 fatty acids are among the most extensively investigated dietary bioactive compounds with potential relevance to cognitive aging. As populations continue to age worldwide, identifying modifiable nutritional factors that support cognitive health has become an important public health priority. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained primarily from marine sources, are integral components of neuronal membranes and serve as precursors of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. This narrative review integrates concepts from nutritional neuroscience and geroscience to examine how dietary omega-3 fatty acids may influence biological pathways involved in age-related cognitive decline. Current evidence suggests that DHA and EPA affect multiple processes linked to brain aging, including neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, cerebrovascular integrity, cellular senescence, and gut–brain axis signaling. These mechanisms overlap with several hallmarks of aging and may contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function during later life. Observational studies generally associate higher dietary intake or circulating omega-3 status with better cognitive performance and a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Findings from randomized controlled trials are less consistent, although benefits appear more likely in individuals with low baseline omega-3 status, mild cognitive impairment, or increased biological vulnerability. Beyond their established anti-inflammatory effects, omega-3 fatty acids may influence multiple aging-related pathways, particularly inflammaging, vascular aging, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although heterogeneity in study design, dosage, intervention timing, and participant characteristics precludes firm conclusions, viewing omega-3 fatty acids through a geroscience lens offers a useful framework for interpreting existing evidence and informing future research. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids represent a promising nutritional strategy for supporting cognitive health across the lifespan, warranting further investigation in well-characterized populations and precision nutrition approaches. Full article

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are critical modulators of cardiovascular physiology, acting through anti-inflammatory signaling, membrane remodeling, and transcriptional regulation. Despite strong biological plausibility, clinical evidence remains heterogeneous. This narrative review evaluates the complexities of ω-3 supplementation, moving beyond standardized dosing to discuss the emerging role of biomarker-based assessments. While traditional low-dose mixed formulations often failed to show significant benefits, high-dose purified EPA (icosapent ethyl, 4 g/day) has demonstrated a substantial reduction in residual cardiovascular risk in specific populations. However, this clinical success is accompanied by a modest but consistent increase in atrial fibrillation risk at pharmacological doses, suggesting a need for better risk stratification. We highlight that therapeutic efficacy is closely tied to bioavailability—driven by chemical form and dietary context. In this setting, objective metrics such as the ω-3 Index or EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio are discussed as validated biomarkers of ω-3 status that, although not yet incorporated into clinical guidelines as routine treatment targets, may help account for inter-individual variability. Furthermore, we address the environmental burden of marine-derived oils, considering microalgae-based alternatives as sustainable solutions. Ultimately, this review advocates for a more nuanced approach that integrates clinical evidence, the potential of biomarker monitoring, and global environmental responsibility. Full article

Fueled by the rapid growth of the global companion animal industry, the development of nutritional additives for improving canine intestinal health has emerged as a prominent research area in pet nutrition. Excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation triggers severe oxidative stress, inducing intestinal inflammation, abnormal epithelial senescence, and tight junction destruction to damage intestinal mucosal integrity. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have proven antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potency, yet divergent functions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on canine ileal epithelial cells (cIECs) remain unclear. Here, an H₂O₂-stimulated oxidative injury model was built to compare their protective capacity. Under all equivalent gradient concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 μM in this experiment, Equal-dose DHA failed to alleviate cell damage, while EPA effectively rescued impaired cIEC viability. Biochemical tests showed EPA lowered malondialdehyde and boosted key antioxidant enzyme activities. Transcriptomics confirmed EPA suppressed overactivated TNF-α/IFN-γ inflammatory and senescence pathways. Western blot verified EPA downregulated p-Chk1, p53, p57, and p73 and restored telomere-protective and tight junction proteins. In summary, EPA protects cIECs via antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-senescence, supporting its development as a promising functional feed additive for canine intestinal care. Full article

This study evaluated the use of finishing diets to reduce fish oil (FO) inclusion in European sea bass feeds while preserving fillet quality and n-3 fatty acid content. Fish (197 g) were fed for 25 weeks with a control FO diet, based on 9% FO and 6% plant oil, or diets where 6% FO was replaced by rapeseed oil (RO) or microalgae (AO; Nannochloropsis sp. and Schizochytrium sp.). After 13 weeks, 2 groups of fish fed the RO diet were switched to the FO or AO finishing diets for the final 12 weeks. Growth, feed efficiency, body composition, and health were unaffected by dietary treatments. However, long-term RO feeding reduced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and increased monounsaturated and n-6 fatty acids compared to fish fed AO or FO. A 12-wk FO finishing diets shifted morphometric traits, fatty acid profiles, liver histology, and overall fish quality of fish previously fed with RO toward those of fish continuously fed FO, whereas the AO finishing diet produced a smaller shift. Longer finishing periods may further enhance fillet quality when using microalgae-based oils. Full article

Iron supplementation in patients with tuberculosis remains a controversial issue due to the complex role of iron in the host immune response and in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Although supplementation may be beneficial for some patients with persistent iron deficiency, the available evidence does not support its routine use. The efficacy and safety of such an intervention appear to depend, among other factors, on the activity of the inflammatory process, the severity of iron metabolism disturbances, and the timing of supplementation initiation. Current evidence highlights the need for an individualized assessment of iron status and for further research to establish clear clinical recommendations. At the same time, growing interest has been directed toward the role of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as potential modulators of immune and inflammatory responses in tuberculosis. EPA and DHA may influence immune cell function, cytokine production, and the formation of lipid mediators involved in the resolution of inflammation. Experimental evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the severity of inflammation and infection-associated anemia; however, their effectiveness may depend on baseline fatty acid status, the stage of disease, and interactions with other nutrients, including iron. Human clinical evidence remains very limited and is currently based mainly on one small intervention study, therefore, clinical claims regarding omega-3 fatty acids supplementation should be interpreted cautiously and should not be understood as a recommendation for routine use. The aim of this review is to discuss the significance of iron metabolism and omega-3 fatty acids in tuberculosis, with particular emphasis on their roles in the regulation of inflammation, immune responses, anemia, and potential nutritional support. Current evidence underscores the need for individualized nutritional interventions and further clinical research to determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal timing of iron and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in patients with tuberculosis. Full article

Omega-3-fortified foods sit at the interface of lipid science, food technology, and prevention-oriented nutrition. The aim of this narrative review is to define practical criteria for evaluating whether fortified foods can deliver physiologically relevant eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) rather than merely declare omega-3 addition. This review focuses on fish oils, fish-processing by-product oils, single-cell oils, and encapsulated or emulsified delivery systems used in dairy products, bakery products, beverages, spreads, eggs, infant and maternal foods, nutrition bars, and related functional foods. It integrates evidence on raw material composition, refining, oxidative stability, food-matrix compatibility, retained dose during shelf life, bioavailability, biomarker response, health benefits, safety concerns, and regulatory communication. The proposed source-to-status quality-by-design framework emphasizes that applied value depends on traceable source selection, analytical quality control, matrix-specific protection, end-of-shelf-life verification, transparent dose labeling, and claims that remain proportional to evidence. Ordinary low-dose fortified foods should not be presented as equivalents of prescription omega-3 products or as general disease-prevention tools. Their defensible role is status-oriented dietary optimization in populations with low EPA/DHA intake. Full article

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a promising biorefinery feedstock because it contains high-value compounds such as fucoxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alongside other pigments, proteins, carbohydrates, and polyphenolics. However, downstream processing often targets single compounds, leaving possible co-products underutilised, thus limiting biomass valorisation. This study developed a multiproduct workflow for wet, disrupted P. tricornutum biomass by coupling solid–liquid–liquid extraction (SLLE) with centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The SLLE step used an ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water solvent system (3:2:5, v/v/v) and was optimised with respect to biomass loading and extraction time, yielding lipophilic, aqueous, interfacial, and insoluble primary fractions. Biomass content was the dominant factor governing partitioning into these fractions and target-compound recovery, whereas extraction time had a secondary influence. Under process-oriented optimised conditions of 1.3 h and 4.25% biomass content, fucoxanthin and EPA recoveries reached 91.3% and 70%, respectively. The lipophilic fraction was refined further by two-stage CPC, yielding high-purity fucoxanthin (99.4 ± 1.0%) and EPA-enriched glycerolipids (up to 99.9 ± 0.5%). Additionally, ten further fractions were obtained, including carotenoid-containing, chlorophyll, polyphenolic, protein-rich, and carbohydrate-rich fractions in the whole process. Overall, this twelve-fraction workflow supports the transition toward a scalable P. tricornutum biorefinery and provides a basis for assessing transferability to other microalgae. Full article

Production system may affect meat quality and muscle metabolic characteristics in Tibetan sheep. In this study, the biceps femoris muscles of twelve 3-year-old Tibetan sheep with similar body weights were used as experimental materials during a 6-month experimental period. The housed group (n = 6) was defined as the control group (C group), whereas the grazing group (n = 6) was defined as the L group. Meat quality measurement, nutritional composition analysis, untargeted lipidomics, and amino acid metabolomics (AAM) were integrated to investigate the effects of contrasting grazing and house-feeding production systems on meat quality and metabolic characteristics in Tibetan sheep. The results showed that cooking loss and drip loss were significantly decreased, whereas water-holding capacity (WHC) was significantly increased in the L group. However, shear force was also increased, indicating that grazing and house-feeding systems were associated with differences in muscle WHC and shear force. The L group exhibited significant alterations in lipid composition and increased concentrations of several n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), including α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), suggesting that grazing and house-feeding systems were associated with differences in the lipid nutritional profile of muscle. Lipidomic analysis showed that the differential lipids were mainly enriched in triacylglycerols (TGs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and phosphatidylcholines (PCs), and several PUFA-containing TGs and membrane lipid molecules were closely associated with meat quality traits. AAM analysis showed that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including L-leucine and L-valine, as well as N,N-dimethylglycine, were upregulated in the L group, whereas kynurenine and 1-methyl-L-histidine were downregulated. These findings suggest that BCAA metabolism and tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism were associated with metabolic differences observed between production systems in muscle metabolic adaptation. However, amino acid metabolomics analysis revealed that no amino acid metabolites remained significant after FDR correction, and thus the observed pathway-level changes (e.g., BCAA metabolism and tryptophan–kynurenine pathway) should be interpreted as nominal and exploratory findings. Overall, the results indicate that feeding systems were associated with alterations in the lipid and amino acid metabolic profiles of the biceps femoris muscle in Tibetan sheep, which were further associated with differences in muscle WHC, shear force, lipid nutritional composition, and the profile of flavor precursors. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing plateau meat sheep production systems and developing high-quality Tibetan sheep meat products. Full article

Rice–crayfish co-culture is a dominant aquaculture mode in China, while the regional heterogeneity in crayfish nutritional quality remains insufficiently clarified. This study collected rice-field-cultured crayfish samples from six major producing provinces (Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, and Anhui) to systematically evaluate their meat yield, conventional nutritional components, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and mineral element contents. Significant regional differences were observed in all measured indicators. Jiangsu crayfish showed the highest meat yield (22.97% in females, 20.72% in males), crude protein (18.5%), and total amino acids (16.59 g/100 g). Jiangxi samples had the highest crude fat (0.7%), ash (1.5%), and calcium (1280 mg/kg). Anhui crayfish exhibited the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (47.30%). Hubei recorded the highest total eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22.41%). Henan crayfish were highest in EPA (19.6%) and manganese (3.72 mg/kg), while Hunan samples had the highest iron (9.06 mg/kg). Valine was identified as the first limiting amino acid in all provinces, with secondary limiting amino acids varying regionally. Despite regional differences in specific nutritional indices, crayfish from all six provinces consistently exhibited high protein, low fat, balanced amino acid profiles, abundant unsaturated fatty acids, and rich essential minerals, with all measured nutritional mineral contents within national food safety limits. The findings provided empirical data and a scientific basis for crayfish quality evaluation, origin characteristic analysis, and targeted nutritional optimization of farming formulas, as well as for the differentiated development of regional crayfish industries. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances, current therapies offer little benefit, and AD remains a significant challenge. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have attracted attention for their neuroprotective effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but also for their ability to influence membrane fluidity and neuronal function. DHA is the predominant omega-3 PUFA in nerve cell membranes and is critical for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Some evidence has demonstrated that marine omega-3 supplementation reduces Aβ deposition, modulates microglial activation, and prevents cognitive decline in animal models. Even with heterogeneous results, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that long-term DHA/EPA supplementation can improve cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and reduce neuroinflammation markers. However, individual variability and brain bioavailability pose significant challenges. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the importance of PUFAs for human health, exploring novel mechanistic hypotheses, such as the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain iron homeostasis, the microbiota–gut–brain axis, the glymphatic system, and miRNAs. Furthermore, it focuses on the therapeutic potential of PUFAs in the treatment of AD and proposes future directions for translational research. Full article

Background: Type 2 inflammatory diseases are among the most common chronic inflammatory conditions in childhood and represent a growing global health burden. Increasing evidence suggests that early-life nutritional exposures may influence immune programming and allergic disease development. This Position Paper aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the immunomodulatory role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 long-chain fatty acids, in the prevention of allergic diseases during early life. Methods: A scoping literature review and consensus process were conducted to map biological mechanisms and clinical evidence linking omega-3 PUFAs with allergic disease prevention. This document analyzed experimental, observational, and randomized controlled studies evaluating maternal prenatal/lactational omega-3 exposure. The clinical evidence was qualitatively appraised using study-design-specific Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Particular attention was given to immune modulation, inflammatory pathways, epithelial barrier function, gut microbiota interactions, and the ferroptosis–immune–metabolic axis. Results: Omega-3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms, including specialized pro-resolving mediator production, regulation of T-helper cell responses, cytokine modulation, maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity, and microbiota interaction. Emerging evidence also supports their involvement in oxidative stress and ferroptosis regulation. Current clinical evidence, particularly from higher-quality prenatal randomized trials and evidence syntheses, suggests that adequate maternal omega-3 intake during pregnancy and lactation may reduce the risk of respiratory allergic outcomes, especially wheezing and asthma, in selected offspring. Conclusions: Adequate omega-3 PUFA intake, such as 2 g/die, during critical windows of immune maturation may represent a valuable strategy for the primary prevention of allergic diseases. Current evidence most strongly supports supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, particularly in populations with low dietary omega-3 intake or increased allergic risk. Omega-3 supplementation should be considered within a broader multifactorial preventive approach aimed at promoting immune tolerance and reducing the future burden of allergic diseases. Full article

Adolescence is a developmental stage marked by dynamic interactions between diet, the gut microbiome and endocrine maturation, creating a physiological environment in which early metabolic disturbances can rapidly translate into long-term cardiovascular vulnerability. This narrative review summarises the latest research on the diet–microbiome–hormone axis in adolescents, focusing on the metabolic pathways through which microbial metabolites influence host physiology. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), microbially transformed bile acids and postbiotic signalling molecules regulate enteroendocrine communication, insulin sensitivity, vascular function and inflammatory tone, thereby linking dietary exposures to early cardiometabolic alterations. Dysbiosis, driven by ultra-processed dietary patterns, low fibre intake and reduced microbial diversity, promotes metabolic endotoxemia, neuroendocrine imbalance and endothelial impairment, all of which are recognised as early indicators of cardiovascular disease. A distinctive contribution of this review is the integration of PF into the adolescent cardiometabolic framework. This emerging biotechnological process enables the controlled production of structurally defined bioactive compounds, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides, targeted prebiotic oligosaccharides, fermentable substrates that promote SCFA formation, microbially derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), phytosterols and purified postbiotics. These compounds modulate several regulatory pathways, such as the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, lipid and bile acid metabolism, gut barrier stability, inflammatory signalling and endocrine axes involving glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), leptin, insulin sensitivity and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) dynamics. By situating precision fermentation within the broader context of adolescent metabolic susceptibility, this review highlights its potential to support microbiome resilience, stabilise hormonal regulation and mitigate early cardiovascular risk. However, further adolescent-specific clinical trials and long-term safety assessments are required to translate these advances into effective public health strategies. Full article