Re-esterified Triglycerides Increase Omega-3 Bioavailability by 70%
Re-esterified triglycerides: up to 70% better absorption of Omega-3
The body absorbs and utilizes Omega 3 better when taken in the form of re-esterified triglycerides. This has been demonstrated by research from one of the leading Omega-3 experts, Jorn Dyerberg.
According to the Danish epidemiologist and his colleagues from the University of Copenhagen and Aalborg Hospital (Denmark), the bioavailability of Omega-3 in these formulations is 50% higher than other forms, including cod liver oil. The news appeared in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids.
Foods rich in Omega-3: benefits according to the expert
The first indications of the benefits of foods rich in Omega-3, such as fatty fish, date back to the 1970s. They were discovered by Dyerberg himself, who revealed their usefulness in the protection of the cardiovascular system. Since then, the benefits of Omega-3 have been recognized in other areas as well:
- joint health
- mood
- fetal development
- prevention of some forms of cancer
Despite numerous studies on the usefulness of these fatty acids, a problem remains: how to ensure an adequate supply of these precious nutrients. Dyerberg and colleagues emphasized the lack of precise information regarding the bioavailability of EPA and DHA when taken in different formulations. For this reason, the expert decided to test the availability of 5 types of fish oil supplements available on the market.
Different formulations of Omega-3
Over the years, various formulations of concentrated Omega-3 have been developed:
- free fatty acids (FFA)
- ethyl esters (EE)
- re-esterified triglycerides (rTG)
The latter are forms derived from fish oil, in which about 30% of triglycerides are modified to increase the content of Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In this way, EPA and DHA come to constitute 60% of the content.
Research details
Dyerberg and colleagues focused on the differences between the natural triglycerides contained here:
- fish oil
- cod liver oil
- ethyl esters
- free fatty acids
- re-esterified triglycerides
A total of 72 individuals aged between 21 and 56 years were involved. Each participant received a daily dose of Omega-3 between 3.1 and 3.6 grams of EPA and DHA for 2 weeks. At the end of the trial, researchers found that the bioavailability of Omega-3 was 73% for ethyl esters, 91% for free fatty acids, and 124% for re-esterified triglycerides. The authors explain that when adjusted for dosage used, bioavailability rises to 76%, 86%, and 134%, respectively.
Unexpected results
The researchers concluded that re-esterified triglycerides have superior bioavailability, while ethyl esters are the least absorbable and usable by the body. Free fatty acids fall in an intermediate position, corresponding to the bioavailability of triglycerides contained in natural fish oils. One of the most interesting findings of this study is that the bioavailability of re-esterified triglycerides is higher than that of Omega-3 contained in natural forms, especially in cod liver oil. A possible explanation for this phenomenon could be that the re-esterified forms contain, besides triglycerides, also diglycerides and monoglycerides.
Source
1. Dyerberg J, Madsen P, Møller JM, Aardestrup I, Schmidt EB, “Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations”, Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2010 Sep;83(3):137-41.
