Comparison of the effects of a phospholipid-enhanced fish oil versus krill oil product on plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids after acute administration: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis randomized, double-blind, crossover study evaluated the bioavailability of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA+DHA) in a phospholipid-enhanced fish oil (PEFO) product versus a krill oil (KO) product (337 versus 206 mg EPA+DHA/1 g capsule) in healthy adults (N = 24). The aim of this study was to assess the plasma levels of EPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA following a single capsule of PEFO versus KO products in healthy adult men and women. MethodsParticipants consumed a single dose of the assigned product, and plasma was obtained at baseline and periodically for 24 h after dosing. ResultsThe geometric mean ratio (GMR; 90% confidence interval) of incremental areas under the curve over 24 h PEFO:KO was 319/385 = 0.83 (0.60, 1.15 nmol/L*h), indicating a similar average increment for EPA+DHA with PEFO compared with KO across the 24-h period. The baseline-adjusted maximum concentration of EPA+DHA was greater for PEFO than KO (GMR: 1.25; 90% CI, 1.03–1.51). Finally, the geometric mean for the time to maximum concentration for EPA+DHA was lower for PEFO versus KO (P < 0.05). ConclusionAbsorption of EPA+DHA from the two products was similar, but the absorption profiles differed (higher and earlier peak for PEFO).