Higher omega-3 index after dietary inclusion of omega-3 phospholipids versus omega-3 triglycerides in Alaskan Huskies

Abstract

<jats:p>Background and Aim: Numerous studies have found benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely, for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in dogs. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of dietary inclusion of equal amounts of omega-3 FAs in phospholipid (PL) from krill meal to triglyceride structure from fish oil to increase the omega-3 FA profile in red blood cells (RBCs) in dogs. Materials and Methods: Ten adult Alaskan Huskies of both genders were supplemented with daily 1.7 g EPA and DHA from krill meal for 6 weeks, while another ten dogs received 1.7 g EPA and DHA from fish oil. FA and omega-3 index measurements of the two groups were taken after 0, 3, and 6 weeks for comparison. Results: It was mainly the EPA levels that increased in the krill meal group (from 1.84% to 4.42%) compared to the fish oil group (from 1.90% to 2.46%) (p&lt;0.001), which drove the group differences in the omega-3 index. This resulted in the krill meal group having a mean omega-3 index increase from 3.9 at baseline to 6.3%, which was significantly greater than the increase from 3.9% to 4.7% observed in the fish oil group (p&lt;0.001). Concomitantly, omega-6 PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, were reduced in RBC membranes and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was significantly more reduced in the krill meal compared to the fish oil group. Conclusion: The results showed that krill meal supplementation was associated with a reduction of omega-6 PUFAs, which compensated for the increased omega-3 index, suggesting that PLs are efficient delivery molecules of omega-3 PUFAs.</jats:p>

Effect of dietary krill oil supplementation on horse red blood cell membrane fatty acid composition and blood parameters

“…These observations are in agreement with studies that involved supplementing horses with other marine-based FA supplements (Pearson et al, 2022). In agreement with earlier studies of KO supplementation in both humans (Bilinski et al, 2020) and dogs (Burri et al, 2020), the daily supplementation with 55 mL KO (supplying 6.6 g EPA and 4.5 g DHA) performed in the current study significantly raised the n−3 index of the horses. Other dietary n−3 PUFA sources, such as fish oils, have also been shown to influence the n−3 index in horses (T. M. Hess et al, 2012;Vineyard et al, 2010).…”

“…The results of the current study are in accordance with both human and animal studies, enabling the conclusion that KO may be considered a safe and well-tolerated n−3 LC PUFA source for horses (Burri et al, 2020;Robertson et al, 2014;Ulven et al, 2011).…”

“…KO differs from most other marine oils in that it contains high concentrations of phospholipid—instead of triglyceride‐bound EPA and DHA (Burri et al, 2016). This molecular form has been shown to enhance uptake into cell membranes as compared to triglyceride esters in dogs and humans (Burri et al, 2020; Ramprasath et al, 2013). A convenient measure for EPA and DHA cell membrane content, for levels at which they become biologically important, is the red blood cell (RBC) n −3 index.…”

Comparison of Fish, Krill and Flaxseed as Omega-3 Sources to Increase the Omega-3 Index in Dogs

“…After 38 days of feeding with the commercial premium diet, the O3I was not significantly different in the three groups and ranged between 1.35–1.37% ( Figure 1 at baseline). These levels were lower than baseline O3I levels in previous published studies, with an average index of 1.7% [ 28 ] and 3.9% [ 29 ] in non-competing sled dogs, and >5% pre-race in competing sled dogs [ 30 ]. In another study, where samples from different dog species from routine care of animals being seen at a veterinary emergency hospital were taken, the OI3 ranged from 0.3 to 7% [ 16 ].…”

“…Krill meal made from Antarctic krill ( Euphausia superba ) contains the majority of n-3 PUFAs in the form of phospholipids [ 31 ], whereas the PUFAs derived from fish are in triglyceride form. The phospholipid form has been suggested to increase tissue integration of n-3 PUFAs, which has been shown in several species such as dogs [ 29 ], piglets [ 32 ], baboons [ 33 ], mice [ 34 ], rats [ 35 ] and humans [ 36 ]. The results of this study therefore reflect previous observations that favour phospholipid n-3 delivery molecules.…”