Absorption of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from fish oil triacylglycerols or fish oil ethyl esters co-ingested with a high-fat meal

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1988 Oct 31;156(2):960-3. doi: 10.1016/s0006-291x(88)80937-9.

Abstract

The absorption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil triacylglycerols and fish oil ethyl esters consumed in a high-fat meal (44 g total fat) by male volunteers was measured and compared to values previously reported for consumption in a low-fat meal (8 g total fat). Absorption of EPA, but not of DHA, from fish oil triacylglycerols was significantly improved from 69% to 90% by co-ingestion with the high-fat meal. Absorption of both EPA and DHA from fish oil ethyl esters was increased three-fold, to about 60%, by co-ingestion with the high-fat meal, indicating that absorption of fatty acid ethyl esters is highly dependent on the amount of co-ingested fat.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Adult
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Fats / pharmacology
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / administration & dosage
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / metabolism*
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / metabolism*
  • Esters / metabolism
  • Fish Oils / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lipase / metabolism
  • Male
  • Pancreas / enzymology
  • Triglycerides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Esters
  • Fish Oils
  • Triglycerides
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Lipase