Omega 3 from salmon
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Salmon: Benefits, Sources, and Sustainability
Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential for human health. These fatty acids are known to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and support overall health10. Salmon, both wild and farmed, is a rich source of these beneficial nutrients7.
Omega-3 Levels in Farmed vs. Wild Salmon
Farmed salmon, due to their controlled diets, can have omega-3 levels comparable to wild salmon. Studies have shown that although wild salmonid fish contain 10-25% more omega-3 VLC PUFA in their lipid fraction, farm-raised salmon, due to their higher fat content, are an equally rich source of these fatty acids7. This makes farmed salmon a viable option for meeting dietary omega-3 requirements.
Impact of Diet on Omega-3 Content in Farmed Salmon
The diet of farmed salmon significantly influences their omega-3 content. Traditional fishmeal and fish oil are being replaced with plant-based oils due to sustainability concerns. However, this shift has led to a decrease in EPA and DHA levels in farmed salmon, necessitating larger portion sizes to meet recommended intake levels2. Studies have shown that dietary components such as 22:6n-3 (DHA) and EPA are significant predictors of omega-3 levels in salmon fillet tissue1.
Sustainable Alternatives for Omega-3 Enrichment
To address the decline in omega-3 levels, researchers are exploring sustainable alternatives. One promising approach is the use of microalgae like Nannochloropsis gaditana, which can significantly increase the levels of EPA, DPA, and vitamin D3 in salmon meat8. Another innovative solution involves using oils from transgenic plants like Camelina sativa, which can enhance the omega-3 content in salmon to levels comparable to those found a decade ago9.
Health Benefits of Omega-3 from Salmon
Regular consumption of salmon can significantly boost omega-3 intake. For instance, pregnant women who consumed two portions of salmon per week showed increased levels of EPA and DHA in both maternal and umbilical cord blood, highlighting the importance of omega-3 for fetal development4. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining intestinal health and overall growth in salmon, which in turn affects the quality of the fish consumed by humans5.
Conclusion
Salmon, whether wild or farmed, remains a vital source of omega-3 fatty acids. While the shift towards plant-based feeds in aquaculture poses challenges, innovative solutions like microalgae supplementation and transgenic plant oils offer promising avenues to maintain and enhance the omega-3 content in farmed salmon. Regular consumption of salmon can help meet the essential dietary requirements of EPA and DHA, contributing to better health outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A systematic review and analysis of long-term growth trials on the effect of diet on omega-3 fatty acid levels in the fillet tissue of post-smolt Atlantic salmon
Dietary 22:6n-3 (DHA) and dietary EPA and 22:1 isomers significantly predict omega-3 levels in Atlantic salmon fillet tissue, with fish weight being a significant predictor.
Systematic ReviewImpact of sustainable feeds on omega-3 long-chain fatty acid levels in farmed Atlantic salmon, 2006–2015
Sustainable feeds in farmed Atlantic salmon have increased terrestrial fatty acids, reducing EPA and DHA levels, compromising the nutritional value of the final product.
Highly CitedReplacement of dietary fish oil for Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar L.) with a stearidonic acid containing oil has no effect on omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations.
Atlantic salmon fed 14% stearidonic acid oil maintains omega-3 fatty acid concentrations similar to those fed fish oil, but growth and feed efficiency may be affected.
RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedThe Salmon in Pregnancy Study: study design, subject characteristics, maternal fish and marine n-3 fatty acid intake, and marine n-3 fatty acid status in maternal and umbilical cord blood.
Pregnant women who eat 2 portions of salmon per week can increase their intake of EPA and DHA, improving their and their fetus' EPA and DHA status.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedLow Omega-3 Levels in the Diet Disturbs Intestinal Barrier and Transporting Functions of Atlantic Salmon Freshwater and Seawater Smolts
Low omega-3 levels in Atlantic salmon feed impair somatic growth and intestinal function, affecting growth and ion transport.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyOmega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in Atlantic salmon: Functions, requirements, sources, de novo biosynthesis and selective breeding strategies
Selective breeding of high omega-3 fatty acid-producing Atlantic salmon could reduce reliance on dietary sources like fish oil and improve EPA and DHA storage in tissues.
Literature ReviewSalmonids as Natural Functional Food Rich in Omega-3 PUFA
Salmonid fish, both wild and farm-raised, are a rich source of omega-3 PUFA, making them a natural functional food for humans.
Nutritional Enhancement of Farmed Salmon Meat via Non-GMO Nannochloropsis Gaditana: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) and Vitamin D3 for Human Health
Nannochloropsis gaditana supplementation significantly increases healthy fats and vitamin D3 levels in farmed salmon meat, providing a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids for human nutrition.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyAn oil containing EPA and DHA from transgenic Camelina sativa to replace marine fish oil in feeds for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): Effects on intestinal transcriptome, histology, tissue fatty acid profiles and plasma biochemistry
Transgenic Camelina sativa oil can effectively increase omega-3 fatty acid levels in Atlantic salmon feed without affecting performance or health, offering a potential alternative to marine fish oil.
Non-RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited