n – 3 Docosapentaenoic acid in blubber of dam and pup grey seals (Halichoerus grypus): implications in the Inuit diet and for human health

Abstract

n-3 Docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n – 3) is shown to constitute as much as 6% of the total fatty acids in six sets of dam–pup blubber samples from grey seals, Halichoerus grypus. Relative to fish oils, this fatty acid is several times more plentiful in the seal fats that form an important part of Inuit diets. Consideration of intakes of ω-3 fatty acids as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular and other health disorders in man should include this quantitatively important fatty acid of seal fats.