Bioavailability of n-3 fatty acids from enriched meals and from microencapsulated powder

Abstract

Background and aims: Despite potential benefits of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA), intake is often low due to low consumption of oily seafood.Microencapsulated fish oil powder has been suggested as an alternative way to increase intake. The main aim of the thesis was to examine the bioavailability of LC n-3 PUFA from microencapsulated powder and from meals fortified with liquid cod liver oil.Methods: Data were collected in a 4-week double-blinded dietary intervention, participants (N = 99, age ≥ 50 years) were randomized into three groups. Group 1 (n = 38) received 1.75 g/d LC n-3 PUFA as ready-to-eat meals enriched with liquid cod liver oil and placebo powder, group 2 (n = 30) received the same amount of LC n-3 PUFA as microencapsulated cod liver oil powder and regular meals; and group 3 (n = 31) was the control group whichreceived placebo powder and regular meals. Blood samples were collected at baseline and endpoint.Results: Seventy-seven subjects (77.8%) finished the study. The amount of EPA in blood doubled in both groups who received LC n-3 PUFA (P<0.05) but did not change in the control group. The changes in DHA were less but still significant in both intervention groups. The omega-3 index as well as the n-6/n-3 ratio improved dramatically in the two LC n-3 PUFA groups (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in the control group.Conclusion: After four weeks of regular consumption, the amount of LC n-3 PUFA in blood increased significantly in both intervention groups but not in the control group. Bioavailability of LC n-3 PUFA in encapsulated powder is very similar to bioavailability of LC n-3 PUFA in ready-to-eat meals enriched with liquid cod liver oil.