Bioavailability of Fish Oils: Emulsified Versus Capsular Triglyceride

Bioavailability of Fish Oils: Emulsified vs. Capsular Triglyceride

The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the relative percentage and rate of incorporation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids after ingestion of 4 emulsified flavored triglyceride fish oil supplements versus an encapsulated triglyceride in defined plasma lipid pools.

The primary endpoints to be evaluated include the fatty acid composition of plasma lipids before and after consumption of a single dose of emulsified triglyceride based fish oil and triglyceride of similar n-3 compositions in capsule form. The investigators will measure changes in plasma phospholipid, and chylomicron fatty acids.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy adults ages 18 to 60.
2. Body mass index between 22 and 32 kg/m2.
3. Medical history (interview) demonstrating good health.
4. Nonsmoker.
5. Consumption of a typical American diet with no unusual dietary habits.
6. Willingness to comply with the study protocol.
7. Low reported n-3 intake (<100 mg/d) on the Omega-3 Checklist

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any active, uncontrolled medical problem.
2. Consumption of essential fatty acid supplements within the past 6 months.
3. Use of lipid lowering drugs.
4. Fish consumption greater than 1 fish meal per week