Health Effects of Fish Oil

Abstract

Fish oil is rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and cicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids are generally recognized as biologically important lipids that play a significant role in protecting against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammation. Moreover, many studies demonstrate that intake of fish oil, especially DHA, influences brain development, learning and memory, and visual function. Recently, the preventative and remedial effects of DHA oil on dementia and mental disorders have been reported. In this review, the health benefits of fish oil are summarized, and new data on the effects of DHA oil on intelligence score and visual acuity in the elderly are presented.