There has been an exponential increase in the amount of research on the relationship between Omega-3 fatty acids and human health over the past two decades. This book focuses on developing information on these newly recognized key components of omega-3-fatty acid research. This authoritative volume brings about a perspective to understanding the recent developments in omega-3-fatty acid research by going beyond presenting only a summary of the research literature. It discusses the limitations, points of agreement, and areas of conflicting or inconclusive data. Readers will gain a current understanding of issues such as the importance of omega-3 fatty acids to health; the ways in which they are essential to human growth and development; their contribution to the prevention or amelioration of various diseases; and their quality and shelf life when used as dietary supplements. With a comprehensive review and discussion of current research, this volume is an invaluable resource for all researchers working in this field. It will be a comprehensive reference for nutritionists, dieticians, and health educators alike.