Incorporation of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids into lipid pools when given as supplements providing doses equivalent to typical intakes of oily fish

Abstract

Background: Estimation of the intake of oily fish at a population level is difficult. The measurement of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in biological samples may provide a useful biomarker of intake.Objective: We identified the most appropriate biomarkers for the assessment of habitual oily fish intake and changes in intake by elucidating the dose- and time-dependent response of EPA and DHA incorporation into various biological samples that represent roles in fatty acid transport, function, and storage.Design: This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled intervention trial in 204 men and women that lasted 12 mo. EPA and DHA capsules were provided in a manner to reflect sporadic consumption of oily fish (ie, 1, 2, or 4 times/wk). EPA and DHA were assessed at 9 time points over 12 mo in 9 sample types (red blood cells, mononuclear cells, platelets, buccal cells, adipose tissue, plasma phosphatidylcholine, triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, and nonesterified fatty acids).Results: A dose response (P < 0.05) was observed for EPA and DHA in all pools except for red blood cell EPA (P = 0.057). EPA and DHA measures in plasma phosphatidylcholine and platelets were best for the discrimination between different intakes (P < 0.0001). The rate of incorporation varied between sample types, with the time to maximal incorporation ranging from days (plasma phosphatidylcholine) to months (mononuclear cells) to >12 mo (adipose tissue).Conclusions: Plasma phosphatidylcholine EPA plus DHA was identified as the most suitable biomarker of acute changes in EPA and DHA intake, and platelet and mononuclear cell EPA plus DHA were the most suitable biomarkers of habitual intake. This trial was registered at Current Controlled Trials (www.controlled-trials.com) as ISRCTN48398526.

The impact of an omega-3 fatty acid rich lipid emulsion on fatty acid profiles in critically ill septic patients

“…This adds to the growing evidence that EPA and DHA are handled differently, however, the patterns of incorporation seen are consistent with previous reports 19,20,22 .…”

New evidence that omega-3 fatty acids have a role in primary prevention of coronary heart disease

“…It is also influenced by dietary intake: it is well described that increasing the intake of EPA, DPA and DHA by eating fatty fish or by taking omega-3 supplements increases the concentration of those fatty acids in blood plasma and serum, in blood cells and in tissues (2,3). This enrichment occurs in time-and dose-dependent ways that are now quite well described (7). Increasing intake of ALA causes an enrichment of ALA in some pools and also enhances the content of EPA and DPA (6).…”

“…Slowly turning over pools such as adipose tissue are considered to be good indicators of long term dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly ALA (8). Red blood cells are considered to be good indicators of long term intake of EPA and DHA (9), and other blood cells are also useful in this regard (7). Faster turning over pools, like plasma phospholipids are more indicative of recent consumption than of longer term intake (7).…”

“…The intake of ALA among adults in Western populations is around 1 g/day (2). The concentrations of ALA, EPA, DPA and DHA can be measured in blood plasma or serum, in blood cells (red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets) and in tissues; the content varies according to the location and according to the precise lipid fraction analysed (2,3,7). It is also influenced by dietary intake: it is well described that increasing the intake of EPA, DPA and DHA by eating fatty fish or by taking omega-3 supplements increases the concentration of those fatty acids in blood plasma and serum, in blood cells and in tissues (2,3).…”

“…Red blood cells are considered to be good indicators of long term intake of EPA and DHA (9), and other blood cells are also useful in this regard (7). Faster turning over pools, like plasma phospholipids are more indicative of recent consumption than of longer term intake (7). It has been demonstrated that there are significant linear relationships between the enrichment of EPA and DHA seen in several different pools, including plasma lipids, blood cells and adipose tissue, when intake of EPA and DHA is increased (7).…”