Enhanced Bioavailability of EPA From Emulsified Fish Oil Preparations Versus Capsular Triacylglycerol

Lipids. 2016 May;51(5):643-51. doi: 10.1007/s11745-015-4100-2. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Abstract

For those individuals who are unable to consume adequate long chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn3) from dietary sources, fish oil supplementation is an attractive alternative Pre-emulsified fish oil supplements, an alternative to capsular triacylglycerol, may enhance the uptake of LCn3 fatty acids it contains. A randomized, Latin-square crossover design was used to compare the effects of four fish oil supplement preparations (Emulsions S, B and N) on phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) concentrations in ten healthy volunteers compared to oil capsules over 48 h after a single dose and chylomicron fatty acid (CMFA) was evaluated over 8 h. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h and fatty acid concentrations of PLFA and CMFA were determined by gas chromatography and the integrated area under the curve over 40 h (iAUC0-48) was determined. Emulsion S and Emulsion N promoted increased uptake of EPA into PLFA over 48 h when evaluating by iAUC0-48 or individual time points of assessment. No differences were observed between supplements in the CMFA concentrations.

Keywords: Chylomicrons; Fish oil; Phospholipid fatty acids.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biological Availability
  • Capsules
  • Chylomicrons / blood
  • Dietary Supplements* / analysis
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / blood
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / chemistry
  • Emulsions / chemistry*
  • Fatty Acids / blood
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage*
  • Fish Oils / blood*
  • Fish Oils / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phospholipids / blood
  • Triglycerides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Chylomicrons
  • Emulsions
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fish Oils
  • Phospholipids
  • Triglycerides
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid