Omega-3 LC-PUFA Research Articles

Cytokine distribution in mothers and breastfed children after omega-3 LCPUFAs supplementation during the last trimester of pregnancy and the lactation period: A randomized, controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine whether maternal diet supplementation with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFAs) during the last trimester of pregnancy and the breastfeeding period influences the levels of inflammatory cytokines in mother and infants. Material and methodThis registered, double-blind randomized study included 46 pregnant women, who were randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving 400mL/day of a fish oil-enriched dairy drink [320mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + 72mg eicoapentaenoic acid] (FO group, n = 24) or to a control group receiving 400mL/day of a non-supplemented dairy drink (CT group, n = 22), from week 28 of pregnancy until the fourth month of lactation. During the study, maternal dietary patterns were monitored by a nutritionist, who encouraged compliance with current recommendations of fatty acids intake. DHA concentrations and cytokine levels (GM-CSF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ and TNF-α) were measured in maternal plasma at the moment of recruitment and in maternal (n = 46) and infant (n = 46) plasma at birth and 2.5 months after birth. ResultsMaternal plasmatic IL-4 levels were higher in FO than in CT subjects (p = 0.009). Additionally, a tendency was observed to higher IL-10 and IL-2 in the FO group. Plasmatic IL-6 however, was higher in CT mothers (p = 0.001). TNF-α was higher in CT infants at birth and 2.5 months after birth (p = 0.005). An analysis of possible relationships between DHA and the concentrations of different cytokines revealed negative correlation between maternal plasmatic IL-6 and DHA (higher plasmatic DHA corresponded to lower IL-6). ConclusionsMaternal dietary omega-3 LC-PUFAs supplementation during critical periods like pregnancy, lactation and early newborn development may influence the levels of certain inflammatory cytokines, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting an anti-inflammatory “environment”.

A fundamental dichotomy in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid abundance between and within marine and terrestrial ecosystems

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially long-chain (i.e., ≥20 carbons) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), are fundamental to the health and survival of marine and terrestrial organisms. Therefore, it is imperative that we gain a better understanding of their origin, abundance, and transfer between and within these ecosystems. We evaluated the natural variation in PUFA distribution and abundance that exists between and within these ecosystems by amassing and analyzing, using multivariate and analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods, >3000 fatty acid (FA) profiles from marine and terrestrial organisms. There was a clear dichotomy in LC-PUFA abundance between organisms in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, mainly driven by the C18PUFA in terrestrial organisms and omega-3 (n-3) LC-PUFA in marine organisms. The PUFA content of an organism depended on both its biome (marine vs terrestrial) and taxonomic group. Within the marine biome, the PUFA content varied among taxonomic groups. PUFA content of marine organisms was dependent on both geographic zone (i.e., latitude, and thus broadly related to temperature) and trophic level (a function of diet). The contents of n-3 LC-PUFA were higher in polar and temperate marine organisms than those from the tropics. Therefore, we conclude that, on a per capita basis, high latitude marine organisms provide a disproportionately large global share of these essential nutrients to consumers, including terrestrial predators. Our analysis also hints at how climate change, and other anthropogenic stressors, might act to negatively impact the global distribution and abundance of n-3 LC-PUFA within marine ecosystems and on the terrestrial consumers that depend on these subsidies.

Effects of a lipid emulsion containing fish oil on polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles, growth and morbidities in extremely premature infants: A randomized controlled trial

SUMMARYBackground & aimsThe purpose of the study was to compare the effects of the parenteral emulsion SMOFlipid®, with 15% fish oil, with Clinoleic® on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other morbidities and growth, and to compare their impact on longitudinal serum levels of fatty acids. Retinopathy of prematurity, other morbidity and growth were correlated with each parenteral lipid supplement.MethodsNinety infants born at gestational age <28 weeks were randomized to treatment with SMO-Flipid® or Clinoleic®. Two thirds (66%) of the infants received parenteral nutrition for up to 14 days birth (median 8, range 2–14 days), and additional 25% of the infants received for up to 28 days after birth (median 21, range 15–28 days). Cord blood samples and then venous blood samples were obtained at ages 1, 7, 14, and 28 days and at postmenstrual age (PMA) 32, 36, and 40 weeks. Breastmilk was collected at postnatal day 7, and at PMA 32 and 40 weeks. Serum phospholipid and breastmilk total fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Treatment groups were compared with regard to ROP, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus sepsis and growth between birth and 36 weeks.ResultsInfants on SMOFlipid® had higher fractions of omega-3 LCPUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and slightly higher omega-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fraction and a decreased arachidonic acid (AA) to DHA ratio from one week after birth up to 32 postmenstrual weeks compared to infants on Clinoleic®. Treatment groups did not differ in morbidities or growth.ConclusionSupplementation with SMOFlipid® containing 15% fish oil during parenteral nutrition increased EPA substantially, DHA marginally, reduced AA and decreased AA to DHA ratio. It did not reduce morbidity or affect growth. Since extremely preterm infants accumulate a large deficit of DHA and AA, studies on more prolonged or different levels of DHA and AA supplementation are warranted.

Effect of flaxseed oil and microalgae DHA on the production performance, fatty acids and total lipids of egg yolk and plasma in laying hens

The incorporation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the egg is dependent on both the transfer efficiency of preformed dietary omega-3 fatty acids to the eggs as well as endogenous PUFA metabolism and deposition. Employing an experimental design consisting of 70 Lohmann LSL-Classic hens (n=10/treatment) in a 6-week feeding trial, we examined the impact of graded levels of either flaxseed oil (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) or algal DHA (preformed docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), each supplying 0.20%, 0.40% and 0.60% total omega-3s. The control diet was practically low in omega-3s. Study parameters included monitoring the changes of fatty acid contents in yolk, measures of hen performance, eggshell quality, total lipids and fatty acid contents of plasma. Data were analysed as a complete randomized design using Proc Mixed procedure of SAS. No significant differences were observed between treatments with respect to hen performance, eggshell quality and cholesterol content in plasma and egg yolk. Individual and total omega-3 PUFA in the yolk and plasma increased (P<0.0001) linearly as a function of total omega-3 PUFA intake. At the highest inclusion levels, DHA-fed hens incorporated 3-fold more DHA in eggs compared with ALA-fed hens (179±5.55 vs. 66.7±2.25mg/yolk, respectively). In both treatment groups, maximal enrichment of total n−3 PUFA was observed by week-2, declined by week-4 and leveled thereafter. In addition, accumulation of DHA in egg yolk showed linear (P<0.0001) and quadratic (P<0.05) effects for flaxseed oil (R2=0.89) and algal DHA (R2=0.95). The current data, based on defined level of total omega-3s in the background diet, provides evidence to suggest that exogenous as well as endogenous synthesis of DHA may be subject to a similar basis of regulation, and serve to highlight potential regulatory aspects explaining the limitations in the deposition of endogenously produced omega-3 LCPUFA.

Omega-3 LCPUFA supplement: a nutritional strategy to prevent maternal and neonatal oxidative stress.

There is controversy about fish-oil supplementation and oxidative damage. This ambiguity should be explored to elucidate its role as modulator of oxidative stress, especially during gestation and postnatal life. This is the objective of this study. One hundred ten pregnant women were divided in two groups: control group CT (400 mL/day of the control dairy drink); supplemented group FO (400 mL/day of the fish oil-enriched dairy drink (±400-mg EPA-DHA/day)). Different biomarkers of oxidative damage were determined in the mother's at enrolment, at delivery and at 2.5 and 4 months postpartum and newborns at delivery and at 2.5 months postpartum. Omega-3 LC-PUFA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation decreased plasma hydroperoxides especially in newborn at delivery (P = 0.001) and 2.5 months (P = 0.006), increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in mothers at delivery (P = 0.024 (SOD)) and after 2.5 months (P = 0.040 (CAT)) and in newborns at 2.5 months (P = 0.035 (SOD); P = 0.021 (CAT)). Also, supplementation increased α-tocoferol in mothers at 2.5 months (P = 0.030) and in umbilical cord artery (P = 0.039). Higher levels of CoQ10 were found in mothers at delivery (P = 0.039) as well as in umbilical cord vein (P = 0.024) and artery (P = 0.036). Our supplementation prevents the oxidative stress in the mother and neonate during the first months of postnatal life, being a potential preventive nutritional strategy to prevent functional alterations associated with oxidative stress that have an important repercussion for the neonate development in the early postnatal life.

Effect of dietary ALA on growth rate, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and breast meat omega-3 LCPUFA content in broiler chickens

We have previously demonstrated that feeding chickens a diet containing high levels of the n-3 PUFA α-linolenic acid (ALA) significantly increases the content of the principal omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in their meat and eggs. However, the effect of the diet on production characteristics of the birds has not been assessed. This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding male and female Cobb 500 broilers (n = 3840) a high ALA diet (containing 2.5% flaxseed oil) compared with a standard commercial Control diet (containing 2.5% tallow) on growth, feed conversion ratio and mortality until 6 weeks of age. As expected the dietary flaxseed oil significantly increased breast meat levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (~4-fold), with most eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid being deposited in the phospholipid fraction. Both male and female birds fed the high ALA diet were significantly heavier at 6 weeks of age (77 g heavier in females, 87 g heavier in males). They also had a significantly (10%) lower feed conversion ratio, and a mortality rate that was not different from the Control diet across the 6-week feeding period. These findings indicate that a high ALA diet has the potential to enrich chicken breast meat with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid without loss of growth rate or feed efficiency, or increase in fat content of breast meat.

Pig feeds rich in rapeseed products and organic selenium increased omega-3 fatty acids and selenium in pork meat and backfat.

The concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and selenium (Se) is generally too low in the Western diet. But as the nutrient composition of pork meat and adipose tissue is influenced by the feed given to the animals, the product can be changed to support nutrient demands. Half (297/594) the pigs were given a feed concentrate based on low-glucosinolate rapeseed products (RS), while the other half was fed a traditional concentrate (Contr): The RS feed had an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 3.6:1, and the Contr feed had a ratio of 8.9:1, and both feeds were supplemented with 0.4 mg Se/kg (organic Se: inorganic Se, 1:1). There was a small difference in growth rate, but no differences in feed conversion ratio, lean meat percentage, carcass value, and margin per pig for the two groups. There were no differences in meat quality between the two groups, but there were differences in technological fat quality. The RS pigs contained about 2 times more alpha-linolenic acid in the backfat and 41% more in the meat (M. longissimus dorsi) compared to the controls. The concentration of EPA, DPA, and DHA were 42% and 20% higher in backfat and meat of the RS pigs compared to the control pigs respectively. The ratio between omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids were 4.7 in the meat and 4.0 in the backfat in the RS pigs, and the corresponding values were 6.6 and 8.0 in the control pigs. The selenium content was 0.3 mg/kg meat in both groups. The study showed that a portion of the present pig meat (175 g) provided the daily recommended intake of Se for men and women and about 1/6 of proposed reference intake of omega-3 LCPUFA (250 mg/day) to reduce the risk of CVD thereby providing a meat that is somewhat healthier for the consumer.

Fosfolípidos de origen marino: una nueva alternativa para la suplementación con ácidos grasos omega-3

El deficit nutricional de acidos grasos omega-3 de cadena larga (AGPICL omega-3), especialmente de acido eicosapentaenoico y acido docosahexaenoico en la poblacion occidental debido al bajo consumo de productos del mar, es motivo actual de preocupacion. La alternativa mas clasica es el desarrollo de productos que contengan aceite de pescado conteniendo trigliceridos con alto contenido de AGPICL omega-3 en diferentes modalidades; aceite como tal, encapsulado, microencapsulado, o nanoencapsulado. Sin embargo, en cualquiera de estas modalidades, siempre se produce la reversion del olor y sabor, impidiendo asi su consumo. Actualmente, los fosfolipidos de origen marino representan una alternativa mucho mas interesante y de mayor impacto nutricional para suplementar AGPICL omega-3. Estos productos naturales presentan altas concentraciones de AGPICL omega-3, principalmente de acido docosahexaenoico, son mas estables a la oxidacion, de mayor biodisponibilidad que los trigliceridos y ademas aportan otros nutrientes derivados de su estructura, tambien beneficiosos para la salud. Sin embargo, las alternativas para la obtencion de fosfolipidos marinos a nivel industrial son actualmente pocas y posiblemente sujetas a control o restriccion futura. Este trabajo analiza las principales ventajas de los fosfolipidos marinos en relacion a los trigliceridos derivados del aceite de pescado como aporte de AGPICL omega-3, las principales fuentes de estos nutrientes, como lo son algunos aceites obtenidos de crustaceos, la harina de pescado o los subproductos de la acuicultura, y las futuras alternativas de desarrollo para proveer a la industria farmaceutica, nutraceutica y de alimentos AGPICL omega-3 a partir de fosfolipidos marinos.

Modifying the lipid content and composition of plant seeds: engineering the production of LC-PUFA.

Omega-3 fatty acids are characterized by a double bond at the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain. Latterly, long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5Δ5,8,11,14,17) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA; 22:6 Δ4,7,10,13,16,19), which typically only enter the human diet via the consumption of oily fish, have attracted much attention. The health benefits of the omega-3 LC-PUFAs EPA and DHA are now well established. Given the desire for a sustainable supply of omega-LC-PUFA, efforts have focused on enhancing the composition of vegetable oils to include these important fatty acids. Specifically, EPA and DHA have been the focus of much study, with the ultimate goal of producing a terrestrial plant-based source of these so-called fish oils. Over the last decade, many genes encoding the primary LC-PUFA biosynthetic activities have been identified and characterized. This has allowed the reconstitution of the LC-PUFA biosynthetic pathway in oilseed crops, producing transgenic plants engineered to accumulate omega-3 LC-PUFA to levels similar to that found in fish oil. In this review, we will describe the most recent developments in this field and the challenges of overwriting endogenous seed lipid metabolism to maximize the accumulation of these important fatty acids.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in association to breast cancer subtypes and inflammatory pattern

acid (C22:6!3, DHA), play multifunctional roles in human health and diseases. The traditional source of these fatty acids is fish. Since fish stocks are in global decline, new sources of omega-3 LC-PUFA have to be found. The aim of the present study was to find potential alternative sources of these fatty acids in the territory of The Republic of Kazakhstan. Twelve strains of filamentous fungi isolated from soil and water were screened for lipids and LCPUFA: Penicillium sp., Penicillium restrictum, Penicillium aculeatum, Penicillium anatolicum, Penicillium bilaiae, Penicillium commune, Penicillium raistrikii, Penicillium crustosum, Fusarium sp. (2 strains), Aspergillus sp. and Mucor circinelloides. These fungi were grown in Sabouraud medium for 10 days. Lipid contents of these strains ranged from 1.5% to 7.4% of dry weight. No LC-PUFA were found in P. commune, P. crustosum, Aspergillus sp., M. circinelloides, whereas other strains contained EPA ranging from 1.0% to 3.5% of the total fatty acids, P. restrictum accumulated the largest amount. The cultural conditions that can increase the production of EPA in P. restrictum (e.g. the addition of glucose, glycerin and zinc) are currently under investigation.

Nutritional evaluation of microalgae oils rich in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as an alternative for fish oil

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the nutritional value of the total lipid extract of different omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids producing photoautotrophic microalgae in one study. It was shown that microalgae oils from Isochrysis, Nannochloropsis, Phaeodactylum, Pavlova and Thalassiosira contain sufficient omega-3 LC-PUFA to serve as an alternative for fish oil, which was used as the ‘golden standard’. In the microalgae oils an important part of the omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are present in the polar lipid fraction, which may be favourable from a bioavailability and stability viewpoint. Consumption of microalgae oil ensures intake of sterols and carotenoids. The intake of sterols, including cholesterol and phytosterols, is probably not relevant. The intake of carotenoids is however definitely significant and could give the microalgae oils a nutritional added value compared to fish oil.

F1 Offspring of (F0) Female Rats Fed a High-Saturated Fat, Prenatal/Lactation Diet Remain Insulin Resistant Despite Postnatal Diet Rich in Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Prior research has shown adult diets rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFAs) can improve adult metabolic health. Previous studies have also shown maternal overnutrition during pregnancy/lactation adversely affects metabolic functioning in adult offspring. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the interaction of these two metabolism regulating factors by assessing the effectiveness of a postweaning diet rich in omega-3 long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFAs) to improve metabolic function in adult offspring whose mothers were fed a high-saturated fat “Western” diet during pregnancy/lactation. We compared metabolic function between offspring of three prenatal-lactation/postweaning diet lines of Sprague-Dawley rats: 1) offspring of mothers fed a high-saturated fat “Western” diet during pregnancy-lactation, then weaned to a high omega-3 LC-PUFA diet (Western/PUFA); 2) offspring of mothers fed a control diet during pregnancy-lactation, then weaned to a high omega-3 LC-PUFA diet (Control/PUFA); and 3) offspring of mothers fed a Western diet during pregnancylactation, and postweaning (Western/Western). Fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of Western/PUFA animals were intermediate to those of Western/Western and Control/PUFA offspring, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. This suggests the metabolic benefits of an omega-3 LC-PUFA-rich diet are insufficient to overcome the deleterious effects of a high-saturated fat prenatal-lactation diet.

F0 Prenatal/Lactation Diets Varying in Saturated Fat and Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Alters the Insulin Sensitivity of F1 Rats Fed a High Fat Western Diet Post-weaning

Previous research has shown that prenatal diets rich in specific nutrients (e.g. taurine, omega-3 fatty acids) may provide protective cardiometabolic effects for adult offspring. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the potential of a prenatal-lactation diet rich in omega-3 longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC PUFAs) to improve metabolic function in offspring fed a high saturated fat “Western” diet postweaning. We compared growth and metabolic biomarkers of three groups of Sprague Dawley rat offspring all weaned to a high saturated fat “Western” (Western) diet, but whose mothers were fed one of three different diets during pregnancy-lactation: 1) omega-3 “PUFA”-rich (PUFA/Western); 2) control (Control/Western); and 3) high saturated fat “Western” (Western/Western). PUFA/Western offspring had significantly lower fasting insulin (P < 0.01) and HOMA-IR (P < 0.01), and lower mean plasma triglycerides than Western/ Western animals. Additionally, mean HOMA-IR, fasting plasma insulin, and triglycerides were 19%, 10% and 14% lower, respectively, than those of Control/Western animals, although these differences were not statistically significant. Western/Western adult offspring had the highest fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides, and insulin-resistance (HOMA-IR) of the three groups. Our results indicated that a maternal omega-3 PUFA-rich diet during pregnancy-lactation may provide modest protective metabolic effects for adult offspring, even when consuming a high energy and saturated fat diet.

Successful high‐level accumulation of fish oil omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in a transgenic oilseed crop

Omega-3 (also called n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (≥C20; LC-PUFAs) are of considerable interest, based on clear evidence of dietary health benefits and the concurrent decline of global sources (fish oils). Generating alternative transgenic plant sources of omega-3 LC-PUFAs, i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3, DHA) has previously proved problematic. Here we describe a set of heterologous genes capable of efficiently directing synthesis of these fatty acids in the seed oil of the crop Camelina sativa, while simultaneously avoiding accumulation of undesirable intermediate fatty acids. We describe two iterations: RRes_EPA in which seeds contain EPA levels of up to 31% (mean 24%), and RRes_DHA, in which seeds accumulate up to 12% EPA and 14% DHA (mean 11% EPA and 8% DHA). These omega-3 LC-PUFA levels are equivalent to those in fish oils, and represent a sustainable, terrestrial source of these fatty acids. We also describe the distribution of these non-native fatty acids within C. sativa seed lipids, and consider these data in the context of our current understanding of acyl exchange during seed oil synthesis.

Influence of extraction solvent system on extractability of lipid components from different microalgae species

The purpose of this work was to evaluate two food grade solvent systems, hexane/isopropanol (3:2; HI) and hexane (H), for the extraction of lipids from different omega-3 LC-PUFA rich microalgae: Isochrysis galbana, Nannochloropis gaditana, Nannochloropsis sp. and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. We not only focused on differences in lipid yield, but also lipid class, omega-3 LC-PUFA, carotenoid and sterol yields. Furthermore, an estimation of the feasibility of these microalgae oils as an alternative for fish oil was made. For all tested microalgae species, the highest food grade lipid, lipid class, omega-3 PUFA, carotenoid and sterol yield were obtained with HI, with a general recovery highest from Isochrysis, lowest from both Nannochloropsis species, and intermediate from Phaeodactylum. Total lipid recovery values between 14 and 76% depending on solvent and species were obtained. It was also shown that the omega-3 fatty acid content of all oils was quite similar, while only the H extract was enriched in neutral lipids. Carotenoids were co-extracted in a significant amount, although the content in the various oils was quite different.

Influence of extraction solvent system on the extractability of lipid components from the biomass of Nannochloropsis gaditana

Microalgae oils are considered to be promising alternative sources of omega-3 LC-PUFA. The aim of this work was therefore to evaluate different solvent (mixtures), currently accepted for use in the food industry, for the extraction of lipids from Nannochloropsis gaditana, an omega-3 LC-PUFA-rich microalga. Importantly, not only the total lipid yield but also the lipid class, eicosapentaenoic acid, carotenoid, and sterol yield were investigated. It was shown that the highest yield for each of the components was obtained with dichloromethane/ethanol (1:1). All extracts except the one obtained with dichloromethane/ethanol (1:1) were enriched in neutral lipids and depleted in polar lipids, when compared to the total lipid extract (chloroform/methanol 1:1). Hexane/isopropanol (3:2) seems to be the second best option: it has the advantage of performing better at criteria such as toxicity, but has the disadvantage that almost half of the interesting oil cannot be recovered.

Stability of Omega-3 LC-PUFA-rich Photoautotrophic Microalgal Oils Compared to Commercially Available Omega-3 LC-PUFA Oils

Microalgae are the primary producers of omega-3 LC-PUFA, which are known for their health benefits. Their oil may thus be a potential alternative for fish oil. However, oxidative and hydrolytic stability of omega-3 LC-PUFA oils are important parameters. The purpose of this work was therefore to evaluate these parameters in oils from photoautotrophic microalgae (Isochrysis, Phaeodactylum, Nannochloropsis gaditana, and Nannochloropsis sp.) obtained with hexane/isopropanol (HI) and hexane (H) and compare them with commercial omega-3 LC-PUFA oils. When the results of both the primary and secondary oxidation parameters were put together, it was clear that fish, tuna, and heterotrophic microalgae oil are the least oxidatively stable oils, whereas krill oil and the microalgae oils performed better. The microalgal HI oils were shown to be more oxidatively stable than the microalgal H oils. The hydrolytic stability was shown not to be a problem during the storage of any of the oils.

Docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation does not exacerbate oxidative stress or intravascular haemolysis in homozygous sickle cell patients

We investigated whether or not Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3 LCPUFA) supplementation exacerbates oxidative stress in homozygous sickle cell patients aged 2 to 14 years. Depending on their age, they received between one and three omega-3 (277.8mg DHA and 39.0mg EPA/capsule) or placebo (high oleic acid sunflower seed oil) capsules for one year. Supplementation increased significantly the levels of the two fatty acids in red cell phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine (p<0.001). The patients who received omega-3 LCPUFA compared with their placebo-taking counterparts had a higher concentration of plasma vitamin E at one year (14.3±2.8 versus 12.3±2.8µmol/l; p<0.001). The two groups had comparable concentrations of the vitamin at six month intervention (10.8±2.2 versus 10.7±2.9µmol/l; p>0.05) and baseline (10.7±3.1 versus 10.7±2.8µmol/l; p>0.05). After six month of intervention, the patients on omega 3 fatty acids had lower GPx-1 (33.5±13.4 versus 46.6 ±17.6, p<0.01) and Cu/Zn-SOD (1070±600 versus 1470±690 p<0.05) activities than at baseline. GPx-1 (33.5±17.6IU/g Hb versus 43.7±13.2IU/g Hb; p<0.01) and Cu/Zn-SOD (1070±600IU/g Hb versus 1360±920IU/g Hb; p>0.05) activities were reduced in the omega 3 compared with the placebo at six month intervention. There was no difference in the activity of either of the enzymes between baseline and six month intervention in the placebo group (p>0.05). This study demonstrates; DHA and EPA supplementation, rather than exacerbating the inherent oxidative stress associated with the disease, seems to provide an antioxidant protection. Hence, it will be safe to provide omega-3 LCPUFA to sickle cell patients to help ameliorate vaso-occlusive and haemolytic crises and membrane fatty acid abnormality.

Bioequivalence of two omega‐3 fatty acid ethyl ester formulations: a case of clinical pharmacology of dietary supplements

• Omega-3 fatty acids are dietary components, present in the body with variable blood concentrations. • Bioavailability evaluations of ethyl ester preparations are hampered by the difficulty in achieving similar concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the preparations being compared. This may require questionable corrections for baseline concentrations. • If repeated doses are given, this may lead to errors because of variable dietary fish intake. If a single dose is selected, this needs to be large, since omega-3 LC-PUFA are present in many compartments. • We selected subjects with uniform omega-3 background concentrations, to obtain comparable results at the end of treatment. • Testing bioequivalence of two formulations with different EPA : DHA ratios led to single dose intakes of 12 g, which were well tolerated. • In spite of clear differences in EPA : DHA ratios between the two preparations, plasma ratios did not differ and bioequivalence could be well ascertained. To evaluate the bioequivalence of two omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) ethyl ester preparations, previously shown not to be bioequivalent in healthy subjects, with the objective of providing a guideline for future work in this area. A randomized double-blind crossover protocol was chosen. Volunteers with the lowest blood concentrations of n-3 LC-PUFA were selected. They received the ethyl esters in a single high dose (12 g) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) blood concentrations were analyzed after fingerprick collection at intervals up to 24 h. Differently from a prior study, the pharmacokinetic analysis indicated a satisfactory bioequivalence: for the AUC(0,24 h) 90% CI of the ratio between the two formulations were in the range for bioequivalence (for EPA 0.98, 1.04 and for DHA 0.99, 1.04) and the same was true for C(max) and t(max) (90% CI were 0.95, 1.14 and 1.10, 1.25 for EPA and 0.88, 1.02 and 0.84, 1.24 for DHA). This study shows that, in order to obtain reliable bioequivalence data of products present in the daily diet, certain conditions should be met. Subjects should have low, homogeneous baseline concentrations and not be exposed to food items containing the product under evaluation, e.g. fish. Finally, as in the case of omega-3 fatty acids, selected doses should be high, eventually with appropriate conditions of intake.

Microalgae as an alternative source of omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

AbstractThe health benefits of omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega‐3 LC‐PUFA) are recognized worldwide. The traditional source of omega‐3 LC‐PUFA is fish. However, global consumer needs cannot be supplied by the current global fish harvest. Therefore, new sources of omega‐3 LC‐PUFA have to be found. Microalgae are producers of omega‐3 LC‐PUFA and a potential alternative for seafood. Other sources of omega‐3 LC‐PUFA include krill oil, calamari oil and genetically engineered land plant crops.