Bioequivalence of Docosahexaenoic acid from different algal oils in capsules and in a DHA-fortified food

Lipids. 2007 Nov;42(11):1011-24. doi: 10.1007/s11745-007-3098-5. Epub 2007 Aug 23.

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arachidonic Acid / blood
  • Capsules
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / adverse effects
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / pharmacokinetics*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / blood
  • Erythrocytes / chemistry
  • Eukaryota / chemistry*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / blood
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phospholipids / blood
  • Placebos
  • Therapeutic Equivalency

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Phospholipids
  • Placebos
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Arachidonic Acid
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • docosapentaenoic acid