Effect of omega-3 supplementation on the omega-3 blood index and fatty acid biomarkers in healthy individuals

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with beneficial health outcomes including reduced cardiovascular disease. Few individuals meet their requirements for omega 3 fatty acids through foods. Supplementation may be a viable option. Aim: This open-label trial was designed to examine the effects of a novel krill-oil supplement on omega-3 index, other fatty acids and indicators of safety. Methods: Fifty individuals consumed one capsule of a supplement compromising 1 g krill-oil (290 mg omega-3 providing 160 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 80mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily for 12-weeks, and attended study visits at 0, 6 and 12-weeks. The primary outcome was to investigate efficacy of krill-oil on omega-3 index. Secondary outcomes were to investigate its effects on EPA, DHA, EPA:arachidonic acid (AA), and saturated, monounsaturated and trans-fats. Results: Omega-3 index increased by 10.1% following supplementation (mean(sd): 5.75(1.05) to 6.33(1.02), P < 0.001). The largest increase was seen in the first 6 weeks after which levels stabilised. A statistically significant change was also seen in mean EPA (mean(sd): 0.89(0.31) to 1.17(0.30), p < 0.001), DHA (2.99(0.72) to 3.24(0.79), p = 0.016), EPA:AA (0.10(0.04) to 0.14(0.05), p < 0.001) and monounsaturated fat (24.00(2.95) to 23.0(2.57), p = 0.047). There was weak evidence of a small increase in saturated fat (36.45(1.86) to 37.15(1.79), p = 0.077). No change occurred in trans-fat (0.92(0.28) to 0.91(0.24), p = 0.839). Six participants reported adverse events although only one was deemed supplement related. Conclusion: Krill oil is well tolerated and effectively raises omega-3 index by increasing both EPA and DHA without adversely affecting undesirable fatty-acids. Further trials are required to determine krill-oils effect on biomarkers.