Feasibility of developing a land-based source of functional omega-3 fatty acids on …

• Abstract
• Background
• Stearidonic aid
• Genetic engineering of plant lipids
• Conclusions
• Literature cited
• Figures
• Table

Biology Articles » Biotechnology » Modification of Plant Lipids for Human Health: Development of Functional Land-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Abstract

- Modification of Plant Lipids for Human Health: Development of Functional Land-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Symposium: Improving Human Nutrition through Genomics, Proteomics and Biotechnologies

Modification of Plant Lipids for Human Health: Development of Functional Land-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids¹

Virginia M. Ursin²

Monsanto Company, Calgene Campus, Davis, CA

²To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: virginia.ursin@monsanto.com .

ABSTRACT 

We have remodeled canola seeds to accumulate the omega-3 fatty acid, stearidonic acid (SDA). In doing so, we have demonstrated the feasibility of developing a land-based source of functional omega-3 fatty acids on a large scale. Land-based omega-3 fatty acids represent a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids that can be produced on large acreages and delivered to consumers in a wide variety of functional foods. And unlike -linolenic acid, SDA can provide eicosapentaenoic acid equivalence at moderate intakes. Widely applied, SDA-enriched foods could become a valuable tool for delivering recommended levels of omega-3 fatty acids to large portions of the population. By obviating the need for dietary changes, SDA-enriched foods may facilitate increased compliance with recommendations for daily omega-3 intakes.

KEY WORDS: • canola oil • stearidonic acid • PUFA • omega-6 fatty acids • omega-3 fatty acids • biotechnology

Source: J. Nutr. 133:4271-4274, December 2003.