Details
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 101318 |
Journal | Progress in lipid research |
Volume | 97 |
Early online date | 28 Dec 2024 |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2025 |
Abstract
The bioavailability of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is a critical yet often overlooked factor influencing their efficacy. This review evaluates the bioavailability of EPA/DHA from acute (single-dose) and chronic human studies, focusing on (a) chemical forms such as triacylglycerols (TAG, natural and re-esterified, rTAG), free fatty acids (FFA), and phospholipids (PL) from sources like fish, krill, and microalgae, and (b) delivery methods like microencapsulation and emulsification. Bioavailability for isolated chemically forms followed the order: FFA > PL > rTAG > unmodified TAG > ethyl esters (EE). However, varying oil compositions complicate conclusions about source-specific bioavailability. Significant differences observed in acute bioavailability studies (e.g., faster absorption) often did not translate into long-term impacts in chronic supplementation studies. This raises questions about the clinical relevance of acute findings, especially given that n-3 PUFA supplements are typically consumed long-term. Methodological limitations, such as inappropriate biomarkers, short sampling windows, and inadequate product characterization, hinder the reliability and comparability of studies. The review emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and robust chronic studies to clarify the clinical implications of bioavailability differences. Future research should prioritize biomarkers that reflect sustained n-3 PUFA status to better understand the health benefits of various EPA and DHA formulations.
Keywords
- Calanus oil, Delivery systems, Emulsification, Fish oil, Gastrointestinal uptake, Krill oil, Marine oils, Microencapsulation, Omega-3 absorption, Omega-3 sources
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Biochemistry
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Cell Biology
Sustainable Development Goals
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In: Progress in lipid research, Vol. 97, 101318, 01.2025.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Bioavailability of EPA and DHA in humans
T2 - A comprehensive review
AU - Alijani, Sepideh
AU - Hahn, Andreas
AU - Harris, Willian S
AU - Schuchardt, Jan Philipp
N1 - Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
PY - 2025/1
Y1 - 2025/1
N2 - The bioavailability of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is a critical yet often overlooked factor influencing their efficacy. This review evaluates the bioavailability of EPA/DHA from acute (single-dose) and chronic human studies, focusing on (a) chemical forms such as triacylglycerols (TAG, natural and re-esterified, rTAG), free fatty acids (FFA), and phospholipids (PL) from sources like fish, krill, and microalgae, and (b) delivery methods like microencapsulation and emulsification. Bioavailability for isolated chemically forms followed the order: FFA > PL > rTAG > unmodified TAG > ethyl esters (EE). However, varying oil compositions complicate conclusions about source-specific bioavailability. Significant differences observed in acute bioavailability studies (e.g., faster absorption) often did not translate into long-term impacts in chronic supplementation studies. This raises questions about the clinical relevance of acute findings, especially given that n-3 PUFA supplements are typically consumed long-term. Methodological limitations, such as inappropriate biomarkers, short sampling windows, and inadequate product characterization, hinder the reliability and comparability of studies. The review emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and robust chronic studies to clarify the clinical implications of bioavailability differences. Future research should prioritize biomarkers that reflect sustained n-3 PUFA status to better understand the health benefits of various EPA and DHA formulations.
AB - The bioavailability of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is a critical yet often overlooked factor influencing their efficacy. This review evaluates the bioavailability of EPA/DHA from acute (single-dose) and chronic human studies, focusing on (a) chemical forms such as triacylglycerols (TAG, natural and re-esterified, rTAG), free fatty acids (FFA), and phospholipids (PL) from sources like fish, krill, and microalgae, and (b) delivery methods like microencapsulation and emulsification. Bioavailability for isolated chemically forms followed the order: FFA > PL > rTAG > unmodified TAG > ethyl esters (EE). However, varying oil compositions complicate conclusions about source-specific bioavailability. Significant differences observed in acute bioavailability studies (e.g., faster absorption) often did not translate into long-term impacts in chronic supplementation studies. This raises questions about the clinical relevance of acute findings, especially given that n-3 PUFA supplements are typically consumed long-term. Methodological limitations, such as inappropriate biomarkers, short sampling windows, and inadequate product characterization, hinder the reliability and comparability of studies. The review emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and robust chronic studies to clarify the clinical implications of bioavailability differences. Future research should prioritize biomarkers that reflect sustained n-3 PUFA status to better understand the health benefits of various EPA and DHA formulations.
KW - Calanus oil
KW - Delivery systems
KW - Emulsification
KW - Fish oil
KW - Gastrointestinal uptake
KW - Krill oil
KW - Marine oils
KW - Microencapsulation
KW - Omega-3 absorption
KW - Omega-3 sources
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214891482&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.plipres.2024.101318
DO - 10.1016/j.plipres.2024.101318
M3 - Review article
C2 - 39736417
VL - 97
JO - Progress in lipid research
JF - Progress in lipid research
SN - 0079-6832
M1 - 101318
ER -