Enhanced increase of omega-3 index in response to long-term n-3 fatty acid supplementation from triacylglycerides vs. ethyl-esters
Résumé
Background: There is a debate currently about whether different chemical forms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are absorbed in an identical way. The objective of this study was to investigate the response of the omega-3 index, the percentage of EPA + DHA in red blood cell membranes, to supplementation with two different n-3 FA formulations in humans. Design: The study was conducted as a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. 150 volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) fish oil concentrate with EPA + DHA (1.01g + 0.67g) given as re-esterified triacylglycerides (rTAG-group); 2) corn oil (placebo-group); or 3) fish oil concentrate with EPA + DHA (1.01g + 0.67g) given as ethyl-esters (EE-group). Volunteers consumed four gelatine-coated soft capsules daily over a period of six months. The omega-3 index was determined at baseline (t0), after three months (t3) and at the end of the intervention period (t6). Results: The omega-3 index increased significantly in both groups treated with n-3 FA from the baseline to t3 and t6 (P<0.001). The omega-3 index increased to a greater extend in the rTAG-group than in the EE-group (t3: 186% vs. 161% [P<0.001]; t6: 197% vs. 171% [P<0.01]). Conclusion: A six month supplementation of identical doses of EPA + DHA led to a faster and higher increase in the omega-3 index when consumed as triacylglycerides than when consumed as ethyl-esters.
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