Bioavailability of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids

authored by

Jan Philipp Schuchardt, Andreas Hahn

Abstract

Supplements have reached a prominent role in improving the supply of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA 20:5n-3) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6n-3). Similar to other nutrients, the availability of omega-3 fatty acids is highly variable and determined by numerous factors. However, the question of omega-3 fatty acids bioavailability has long been disregarded, which may have contributed to the neutral or negative results concerning their effects in several studies. This review provides an overview of the influence of chemical binding form (free fatty acids bound in ethylesters, triacylglycerides or phospholipids), matrix effects (capsule ingestion with concomitant intake of food, fat content in food) or galenic form (i.e. microencapsulation, emulsification) on the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids. There is a need to systematically investigate the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids formulations, which might be a key to designing more effective studies in the future.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Nutrition Physiology and Human Nutrition Section

Type

Review article

Journal

Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids

Volume

89

Pages

1-8

No. of pages

8

ISSN

0952-3278

Publication date

07.2013

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plefa.2013.03.010 (Access: Unknown)