Plasma levels of EPA and DHA after ingestion of a single dose of EPA and DHA ethyl esters

• Published in: Lipids 2024-09
• Main Authors: Schmieta, Henrieke Marie-Luise, Greupner, Theresa, Schneider, Inga, Wrobel, Sonja, Christa, Vanessa, Kutzner, Laura, Hahn, Andreas, Harris, William S, Schebb, Nils Helge, Schuchardt, Jan Philipp
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0024-4201; 1558-9307; 1558-9307
• DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12417

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFA), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n3), are essential for maintaining health. To better understand their biology, it is important to define their bioavailability. The aim of this cross-over study was to investigate and compare the acute effects on plasma EPA and DHA levels after single doses of EPA oil (99% pure) and DHA (97% pure) ethyl esters. Twelve men aged 20-40 years with a body-mass-index of 20-27 kg/m and low fish consumption were recruited. Several measures (e.g., 4-week run-in period, standardized diet, and blood collection protocols) were taken to reduce the inter-individual variability of plasma fatty acids levels. Using a cross-over design, the subjects received 2.2 g of EPA in the first test period and 2.3 g of DHA in the second. The test periods were separated by 2 weeks. Blood samples were taken before dosing and after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The mean ± SE maximum concentrations for EPA were higher than for DHA (115 ± 11 μg/mL vs. 86 ± 12 μg/mL; p = 0.05). The mean ± SE incremented area under the plasma concentration curve over 72 h for EPA (2461 ± 279 μg/mL) was 2.4 times higher (p