The benefits of taking Omega-3 depend on the basal levels in the body
Omega 3 benefits are safe but should be assessed case by case
The benefits of Omega 3 intake depend on the levels of these fatty acids present in the body before treatment begins. This is the conclusion reached by a research team led by John Newman at the University of California, Davis (USA). The news was published in the Journal of Lipid Research1. The authors suggest that measuring baseline Omega-3 levels could be useful to determine the effectiveness of a treatment based on dietary enrichment with these nutrients.
Why a diet rich in Omega-3 is so important
Omega-3 are essential fatty acids. The body cannot synthesize sufficient amounts to maintain health; therefore, diet is the only way to ensure adequate intake. The modern Western diet is characterized by levels of these valuable nutrients that are too low. Conversely, the diet of industrialized countries is rich in Omega-6, a type of fat with effects opposite to Omega-3. The resulting change in the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in the body jeopardizes good health. Increasing consumption of fatty fish helps counter the risks associated with Omega-3 deficiency. Fatty fish are the main dietary source of Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The minimum daily dose recommended to prevent cardiovascular disorders is 500 milligrams total of EPA and DHA.
An effect to evaluate case by case
Taking Omega-3 does not produce the same effects in all individuals. A previous study suggested that those with lower initial Omega-3 levels may benefit more from their intake. However, that study involved very few patients, making definitive conclusions difficult. Newman and colleagues decided to clarify this by measuring Omega-3 levels in blood, red blood cells, and platelets before and after a 4-week Omega-3 supplementation. Their data analysis revealed that the treatment increases Omega-3 levels in the body. Moreover, the higher the fatty acid levels before treatment, the smaller the increase observed. The data also allowed estimation that a 70-kilogram individual should take 7 milligrams of Omega-3 daily to maintain the EPA and DHA levels necessary to protect heart and arteries.
Omega-3 supplements: which form to choose?
The most commonly available forms of Omega-3 are triglycerides and ethyl esters. This study administered Omega-3 as ethyl esters. However, some recent studies have shown that absorption of these fatty acids is better when taken as triglycerides. The authors suggest that the results of this study might also apply to Omega-3 forms other than ethyl esters.
Source:
1. Keenan AH, Pedersen TL, Fillaus K, Larson MK, Shearer GC, Newman JW, “Basal omega-3 fatty acid status affects fatty acid and oxylipin responses to high-dose n3-HUFA in healthy volunteers”, J Lipid Res. 2012 May 24. [Epub ahead of print]
