DSM has published the results of a new study that suggests that similar levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reach the blood when omega-3 supplements are consumed, regardless of whether it is derived from fish or krill oil.
The randomised, double-blind study monitored 66 healthy adults over a four-week period and compared fish oil ethyl ester (EE), fish oil triglyceride (TG) and phospholipid (krill) forms with the same dose and concentrations of EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are the two fatty acids best recognized for delivering health benefits, such as heart, brain and eye health. The study demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference in total plasma and red blood cell EPA plus DHA levels observed between fish oil EE, fish oil TG and krill oil, at a daily intake of 1.3g.
There had previously been conflicting information on the relative oral bioavailability of different forms of omega-3, DSM said. For example, several krill oil manufacturers and marketers have made claims that krill oil is between 2.5 and 20 times more bioavailable than fish oil forms of omega-3 that have demonstrated clinical benefits. Typically, krill oil products that are available in the consumer marketplace have significantly lower levels of EPA and DHA in each capsule, when compared to fish or algal oil based omega-3 supplements.
The global science company added that the results would allow consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions, as it works to educate global populations on the multiple health benefits of these essential nutrients.
Karin Yurko-Mauro – DSM director, clinical research, nutritional lipids – said: “It has previously been suggested that krill oil has greater bioavailability than fish or algal oil, but the studies referenced to make such claims had critical design flaws. This new study was designed to objectively determine if there are significant differences in the bioavailability of different forms of omega-3s dose for dose, in order provide more evidence and give a clear message to consumers.”
Norman Salem Jr – DSM’s corporate scientist, nutritional lipids – added: “Omega-3s are scientifically proven to show positive health benefits for the heart, brain and vision, however the majority of populations across the world do not have adequate intake to maintain optimal health. It is critical that the industry continues to educate consumers on the essentiality of omega-3s and the equivalence of different forms that are available to them.”
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