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Review
. 2023 Jun 30;15(13):2993.
doi: 10.3390/nu15132993.

The Effect of Very-Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Central Nervous System and Their Potential Benefits for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder: Reviewing Pre-Clinical and Clinical Data

Francisca Carvajal  1   2 , Ainhoa Sánchez-Gil  1   2 , Diana Cardona  2   3 , Miguel Angel Rincón-Cervera  4   5 , Jose Manuel Lerma-Cabrera  1   2
Affiliations
Review

The Effect of Very-Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Central Nervous System and Their Potential Benefits for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder: Reviewing Pre-Clinical and Clinical Data

Francisca Carvajal et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Alcohol use poses a significant global health concern, leading to serious physical and socioeconomic issues worldwide. The current treatment options for problematic alcohol consumption are limited, leading to the exploration of alternative approaches, such as nutraceuticals. One promising target is very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC n-3 PUFAs). This review aims to compile the most relevant pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on alcohol use disorders and related outcomes. The findings suggest that VLC n-3 PUFAs may alleviate the physiological changes induced by alcohol consumption, including neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Additionally, they can reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve mood, and reduce stress level, all of which are closely associated with problematic alcohol consumption. However, more research is required to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which VLC n-3 PUFAs exert their function. Furthermore, PUFAs should not be considered a standalone solution, but as a complement to other therapeutic approaches. Although preliminary evidence supports the potential therapeutic effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on problematic alcohol consumption, additional research is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal use of PUFAs as part of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

Keywords: DHA; DPA; EPA; alcohol use disorder; n-3 PUFA; nutraceutical compound.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Metabolic pathway of n-3 PUFA from α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is provided by the diet, to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). SDA: stearidonic acid; ETA: eicosatetraenoic acid; EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid; DPA: docosapentaenoic acid; TPA: tetracosapentaenoic acid; THA: tetracosahexaenoic acid.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Potential mechanisms of VLC n-3 PUFAs to alleviate neuroinflammation and contribute to neuroprotective functions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Potential benefits of VLC n-3 PUFAs for treating alcohol use disorders.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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