Omega-3 fatty acids: bioavailability characteristics
https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-9-31-35
Abstract
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the omega-3 class, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have remained at the forefront of basic medicine, nutritional science, and clinical pharmacology for many decades. Large-scale epidemiological data consistently demonstrate that high consumption of marine lipids is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and systemic metabolic diseases. However, when these epidemiological observations are translated into the setting of randomized clinical trials investigating standardized omega-3 supplements and prescription formulations, the scientific community is regularly confronted with heterogeneous and, at times, directly contradictory results. Such inconsistency in clinical outcomes is driven not only by differences in study design, dosage regimens, or the severity of patients’ underlying pathology, but also by fundamental biochemical factors that are often underestimated in routine clinical practice. Of key importance are the source of the raw material, the chemical and stereochemical forms of lipid molecules, and the presence of accompanying active compounds (antioxidants and structural lipids), which together determine molecular stability, digestion kinetics, bioavailability, and the ability of active metabolites to reach target cells.
About the Authors
E. V. Prokopenko
Vinogradov City Clinical Hospital of the Moscow City Health Department
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Prokopenko Elena V., head of Dept for Development and Support of Medical Information Systems and Services, Medical Development Division
Moscow
S. V. Orlova
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Orlova Svetlana V., Dr Med Sci (habil.), professor, head of Dept of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition
Moscow
E. A. Nikitina
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University); National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nikitina Elena A., PhD Med Sci, associate professor at Dept of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University); expert at the Methodological Accreditation and Simulation Center, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Moscow
N. V. Balashova
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University); M. F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Balashova Natalia V., PhD Bio Sci, associate professor at Dept of Dietetics
and Clinical Nutrition, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University); associate professor at Dept of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty for Continuing Medical Education, M. F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute
Moscow
Yu. A. Pigareva
Vinogradov City Clinical Hospital of the Moscow City Health Department
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Pigareva Yulia A., PhD Med Sci, head of Clinical Dietetics Dept
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Prokopenko E.V., Orlova S.V., Nikitina E.A., Balashova N.V., Pigareva Yu.A. Omega-3 fatty acids: bioavailability characteristics. Medical alphabet. 2026;(9):31-35. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-9-31-35
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