Utilising the omega-3 index to assess the relative bioimpact of a whole

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies indicate chronic global underconsumption of dietary omega-3 fatty acids with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Omega-3 supplements are frequently used to address this deficit. However, whole fish contains an array of other fatty acids with additional putative health benefits. The health outcomes of omega-3 supplementation trials have been highly variable, in contrast to trials assessing regular fish consumption. 

Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the biological impact (bioimpact) of a whole salmon oil (OmeGo) compared to a commonly used, concentrated omega-3 oil. OmeGo is produced from fresh salmon using a patented protease hydrolysis process, leaving the salmon oil’s natural food matrix intact. This could feasibly improve the oil’s bioavailability and bioimpact. 

Methods: In this randomized, active-controlled interventional study, 84 healthy subjects were randomized to receive OmeGo or an omega-3 supplement for 14 weeks to assess changes in red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) quantified as the omega-3 index (O3I). Inflammatory biomarkers and sleep quality, two important determinants of well-being, were also assessed. 

Results: Despite OmeGo containing 2.5-fold less EPA and DHA, the increase in O3I from baseline was 1.7-fold greater than the active comparator, corresponding to a 4.3-fold greater increase in O3I per 100mg of EPA+DHA (p = 0.001). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) all decreased to a greater extent in the OmeGo group, with between-group differences reaching statistical significance for hsCRP (p < 0.01) and TNF-α (p < 0.05). 

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that a fish oil retaining its intact food matrix and natural omega-3 fatty acids levels is more bioavailable and better replicates the health benefits of regular fish consumption compared to a commonly used concentrated EPA/DHA supplement.

Novelty of Study: This study challenges the prevailing assumption that concentrated omega-3 supplementation is the most effective strategy for compensating for inconsistent fish consumption and attaining the health benefits associated with regular fish intake. 

Keywords: omega-3 index; salmon oil, polyunsaturated fatty acids; eicosapentaenoic acid; docosahexaenoic acid; C-reactive protein; tumour necrosis factor-α; interleukin-6.