Health Impacts and Innovative Extraction Methods of Fish Oil: A Review

Abstract

Over the last five decades, the potential health benefits of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly those found in fish oil, have been recognized, and recommendations for their consumption have increased. Fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has gained increasing scientific interest, but the currently published literature lacks comprehensive and comparable information. This review provides an extensive overview of the effect of fish oil supplementation on various diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as its role during pregnancy and childhood, evaluating recent studies. Simultaneously, the extraction of fish oil using novel production methods, including supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction, and their effects on fish oil quality, both qualitatively and quantitatively, are discussed. This study emphasized the therapeutic effect of fish oil consumption but, for many diseases, further research is required to unveil the optimal dosage and formulation of fish oil.

Practical Application: This review covers all aspects of novel fish oil extraction processes, including their benefits and drawbacks as well as the impact of fish oil supplementation on major diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. The fish oil's quality and recovery were influenced by the extraction technique, extraction conditions, and raw material properties. Thus, in order to acquire high-quality oil, optimization is a crucial step. This review will help researchers in different ways. For example, one can understand and utilize the best fish oil extraction technique and/or feed on oil in order to gain its health benefit components.