Advances in EPA-GPLs: Structural features, mechanisms of nutritional functions and sources

Background: Eicosapentaenoic acid-glycerophospholipids (EPA-GPLs) have attracted much attention due to their health benefits. In recent years, various mechanisms of EPA-GPLs to nutritional functions were revealed, which companied with multiple functions in nutrition. The function of foodborne EPA-GPLs has been revealed and its application has been expanded. Scope and approach: In this paper, we performed a comprehensive account of the structural features, metabolic fates and sources of EPA-GPLs. Moreover, we developed emphases on the mechanisms and applications of EPAGPLs in nutrition. Key findings and conclusions: EPA-GPLs are considered as a kind of critical functional lipid in our diet. The functions of EPA that improve membrane fluidity and oxidative stress situation, as well as regulate metabolic signaling pathway show promising roles in health. These mechanisms contribute to nutritional functions of EPAGPLs, including improvement in brain functions, visual development, nervous system development and regulation of blood lipid. Furthermore, protection of EPA-GPLs from oxidation, intakes of EPA-GPLs and synthesis of structural EPA-GPLs, interactions with accompaniments can be a research trend for application in health to better play the functions of EPA-GPLs. Besides, the differences between EPA and DHA are worth studying.

Automated summary

EPA-GPLs are considered critical functional lipids in our diet, with functions that improve membrane fluidity, oxidative stress, and metabolic signaling pathways, showing promising roles in health. These mechanisms contribute to various nutritional functions of EPA-GPLs, including improvement in brain functions, visual development, nervous system development, and regulation of blood lipids. Additionally, research trends may focus on protecting EPA-GPLs from oxidation, intake and synthesis, and interactions with other substances for better application in health. Moreover, studying the differences between EPA and DHA could be valuable.