Microencapsulated Tuna Oil Results in Higher Absorption of DHA in Toddlers

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential component for brain and visual acuity development during foetal and early postnatal life. A newly released directive under the European Commission stipulates DHA as a mandatory ingredient in infant formula. This poses challenges to manufacturers in preserving the stability and bioavailability of DHA at levels akin to human breast milk. The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the bioavailability of microencapsulated omega-3 DHA formulations in healthy toddlers compared with high DHA fish oil for a one-month period and (b) to assess the effect of DHA supplementation on children’s sleep and cry patterns. Sixty toddlers were randomly allocated to four groups: 1. unfortified formula, 2. unfortified formula plus high DHA tuna oil, 3. fortified formula with dairy-based microencapsulated high DHA tuna oil powder, and 4. fortified formula with allergenic-free microencapsulated high DHA tuna oil powder. Bioavailability was assessed from both blood and faecal fatty acid levels. The results showed an enhanced bioavailability with significantly greater concentrations of blood DHA levels in formulas with microencapsulated powders. There were no significant effects of treatment on sleep and cry patterns. Application and delivery of microencapsulated DHA tuna oil powder in toddlers’ formula provided better bioavailability of the active DHA.

Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Self-Regulation in Typically Developing Preschool-Aged Children: Results of the Omega Kid Pilot Study—A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…In the present study, the dose of 1.6g of combined EPA and DHA for 12 weeks was effective in increasing the HS-Omega-3 Index ® by almost 3-fold (i.e., 9.7%), suggesting that HiDHA powders are highly bioavailable. This may be due to the microencapsulation of the tuna oil, which reduces oxidation and the small surface area of the particles which are more easily accessible by enzymes allowing greater solubility and absorption [44]. A recent systematic literature review has suggested that the microencapsulated form of omega-3 are more bioavailable compared to standard fish oil [45].…”

The Feasibility of the “Omega Kid” Study Protocol: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Self-Regulation in Preschool-Aged Children

“…Minimal adverse events were reported. Driphorm ® HiDHA ® powders have been used previously in younger children at a lower dose and were also tolerated well [45].…”

Role of encapsulation on the bioavailability of omega‐3 fatty acids

“…The results demonstrated improved bioavailability with considerably higher blood DHA levels in formulations using microencapsulated powders DHA content of toddler feces decreased from 4.1 to 3.1-2.7 ng/g, indicating the improved absorption and reduced fecal loss in toddler's body Fard et al (2020) Abbreviations: ALA, α-linolenic acid; ARA, arachidonic acid; DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; FA, fatty acid; LA, linoleic acid; PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids; SFA, saturated fatty acids.…”

“…FAs detected in blood and feces were used to evaluate the bioavailability of DHA and other FA. Even though the treatment did not significantly affect sleep and crying patterns, the results showed that formulas containing microencapsulated powders had improved bioavailability and significantly higher blood DHA levels (Fard et al., 2020).…”