Abstract
Health benefits of n-3 fatty acids are well-established. However, consumption of adequate
dietary sources of these fatty acids is inadequate. Oral fish oil supplements are
an alternative means of consuming adequate long-chain n-3 fatty acids in individuals
who do not consume sufficient dietary sources. However, palatability can present a
problem with compliance. Emulsifying fish oil allows for production of a pleasant-tasting
supplement and can enhance digestion and absorption of the fatty acids. We investigated
the rate and extent of absorption of emulsified fish oil compared with capsular triglyceride
fish oil supplements in humans. Participants subjectively rated palatability of these
products. A randomized, crossover-designed, open-label trial was performed in which
10 healthy volunteers received emulsified fish oil and capsular triglyceride fish
oil orally. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours to determine
the absorption of individual fatty acids into plasma phospholipid fatty acids. At
the completion of blood collection, subjects were asked to subjectively rate the tolerance
and acceptability of the two supplements. During a 48-hour period, there was enhanced
absorption of total n-3 and eicosapentaenoic acid (0.67%±0.16%, 0.45%±0.06%; P<0.01; 0.34%±0.05%, 0.23%±0.04%; P=0.05; emulsified fish oil and capsular triglyceride fish oil, respectively) observed
for the emulsified fish oil treatment. Our findings indicate that a single dose of
emulsified fish oil resulted in enhanced absorption of total n-3 eicosapentaenoic
acid and docosahexaenoic acid as evidenced by changes in phospholipid fatty acids
composition compared with the capsular triglyceride fish oil during the 48-hour observation
period. Both supplements were subjectively rated and found to be well-tolerated by
participants.
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Biography
S. K. Raatz is an assistant professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Biography
J. B. Redmon is an associate professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Biography
N. Wimmergren is a research nurse, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Biography
J. V. Donadio is emeritus professor of medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN.
Biography
D. M. Bibus is a nutritionist for Lipid Technolgies, LLC, Austin, MN, and community faculty, The Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 21,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
