Bioequivalence of Docosahexaenoic Acid from Different Algal Oils in Capsules and in a DHA‐Fortified Food

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, is important for eye and brain development and ongoing visual, cognitive, and cardiovascular health. Unlike fish-sourced oils, the bioavailability of DHA from vegetarian-sourced (algal) oils has not been formally assessed. We assessed bioequivalence of DHA oils in capsules from two different algal strains versus bioavailability from an algal-DHA-fortified food. Our 28-day randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group study compared bioavailability of (a) two different algal DHA oils in capsules ("DHASCO-T" and "DHASCO-S") at doses of 200, 600, and 1,000 mg DHA per day (n = 12 per group) and of (b) an algal-DHA-fortified food (n = 12). Bioequivalence was based on changes in plasma phospholipid and erythrocyte DHA levels. Effects on arachidonic acid (ARA), docosapentaenoic acid-n-6 (DPAn-6), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were also determined. Both DHASCO-T and DHASCO-S capsules produced equivalent DHA levels in plasma phospholipids and erythrocytes. DHA response was dose-dependent and linear over the dose range, plasma phospholipid DHA increased by 1.17, 2.28 and 3.03 g per 100 g fatty acid at 200, 600, and 1,000 mg dose, respectively. Snack bars fortified with DHASCO-S oil also delivered equivalent amounts of DHA on a DHA dose basis. Adverse event monitoring revealed an excellent safety and tolerability profile. Two different algal oil capsule supplements and an algal oil-fortified food represent bioequivalent and safe sources of DHA.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPAn‐6) Algal Oils Reduce Inflammatory Mediators in Human Peripheral Mononuclear Cells In Vitro and Paw Edema In Vivo

“…Both DHA oils are used in food and dietary supplements [30] and are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food. DHA-T oil in combination with ARASCO oil, an oil rich in ARA, is GRAS for the fortification of infant formula.…”

“…DHA-T oil in combination with ARASCO oil, an oil rich in ARA, is GRAS for the fortification of infant formula. DHA-S oil has been used in a number of clinical studies [31][32][33], as has the DHA-T oil [30,34]. LC-PUFA are present as triglycerides within these oils.…”

Negative Confounding in the Evaluation of Toxicity: The Case of Methylmercury in Fish and Seafood

“…Additional studies are needed to better assess both benefits and risks of fish oil supplements. A useful approach may be to apply LCPUFA produced by certain species of marine algae that can be cultured industrially to provide the "fish" oil (Wen and Chen, 2003) as a promising alternative and contaminant-free source (Arterburn et al 2007). However, plasma LCPUFA concentrations after fish or fish oil capsule intakes showed that LCPUFA from fish were more effectively incorporated into plasma lipids than when administered as capsules (Visioli et al 2003).…”

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants: Preterm Birth and Preterm Infants

“…Omega-3 fatty acids have been found in algeal sources which are equivalent to the DHA levels found in fresh fish. (Arterburn et al, 2007;Arterburn, 2008) Indeed these algeal supplements containing DHA have been found to raise the plasma erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid levels. (Otto, 2000) More recently Hawthorne et al, (2007) revealed that supplementation of this form of DHA in orange juice significantly improved the plasma phospholipid levels in children.…”