OMEGA-3 PUFAs AND GUT MICROBIOTA: A PREVENTIVE APPROACH FOR COLORECTAL CANCER

Abstract

The influence of diet on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and related pathologies has been known for some time. Some classes of nutriens, such as fatty acids belonging to the omega 3 series, have particular effects on the bacteria that make up the intestinal microbiota. Omega-3 PUFAS affect the gut microbiota in three diferent ways: by modulating the type and abundance of intestinal bacteria, by regulate SCFAs levels, and by alter the levels of proinfiammatory mediators. Throug these modalities, omega 3 PUFAs could be useful for the prevention of intestinal diseases such us colorectal cancer (CRC). The ability of omehga 3 PUFAs to modulate the intestinal infliammatory response, to preserve the integrity bof the intestinal mucosa and to modulate the bacterial composition of the intestine, could be useful as a preventive strategic approach to hinder the development of CRC.