Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station | Rutgers Home Search Rutgers

PUFAs and Oils

Photo: Fish Oil Pills.What are PUFAS?

PUFA stands for Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid. Not all fats are bad for you, in fact your body needs certain fat compounds to function. Unsaturated fats are healthy fats, and are typically found in some vegetables and nuts, and fish and shellfish. Many studies are showing that PUFAs, most commonly Omega 3s and Omega 6s have a number of health benefits if consumed on a regular basis. The results of these studies have led many professionals to recommend that people consume fish regularly to make use of the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Study Questions Limits on Fish in Pregnancy

February 27, 2007- In an observational study of more than 8,000 pregnant women and their children, the researchers found that the children whose mothers ate less than 12 ounces of seafood a week were about 45 percent more likely to fall into the lowest 25 percent in I.Q. After controlling two dozen diet and other variables, the researchers found that greater maternal intake of omega-3 fatty acids in fish was associated with better fine motor development, more social behavior and social development. Dr. Josep R. Hibbeln, the lead author of the study, said "The problem with the formulation of the advisory is that there was no calculation of the benefits of seafood." Dr. Hibbeln states,. "We are not offering advice, just doing a scientific study to provide information to the other agencies that formulate advice." This study has important implications to the health of pregnant women. The original article was published in the New York Times.

More Information on PUFAs

-----