Omega 3 in the form of triglycerides for 6 months? Less lipids in the blood

Taking Omega 3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) for about 6 months in the form of re-esterified triglycerides is sufficient to significantly reduce fasting blood lipid levels. The finding, published in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids, confirms the greater benefits offered by this form of Omega-3 compared to others on the market. Conducting the studies that led to these conclusions was a group of researchers led by Jan Schuchardt of the Leibniz Universitat in Hannover, Germany.

Different formulations for different effects

The finding followed another study conducted by the same researchers by a few months. Results obtained at that time had shown that levels of these fatty acids in the body increase more and more rapidly if omega-3 is taken in the form of triglycerides.
Comparison omega-3 uptake from triglycerides, ethyl esters and phospholipids-from omega-3 in rTG form, EE, fish oil and krill oil, respectively. The data referred to EPA and DHA, the 2 omega-3s found in fish oil. In contrast, the increase in fatty acids was lower if EPA and DHA are taken in another chemical formulation: that of ethyl esters. In contrast, another research, published in the same journal in September 2010, showed that the amount of Omega-3 detectable in the bloodstream after taking dietary supplements increases by 50% precisely if the nutrients are present as triglycerides.

The triglyceride form is more effective even on an empty stomach

Schuchardt and colleagues focused on analyzing differences in fasting blood lipid levels following the intake of EPA and DHA in the form of re-esterified triglycerides or ethyl esters. To do so, the researchers divided more than 150 patients with altered blood lipid levels who were taking medications to reduce cholesterol concentrations into 3 groups. Some participants were given only a wheat oil placebo, others took fish oil containing Omega-3 in the form of triglycerides or ethyl esters. In the latter 2 groups, the doses of EPA and DHA intake were identical and were 1.01 and 0.67 grams. No change in blood levels of total cholesterol was observed in either "good" or "bad" cholesterol in any of the participants. Compared with patients treated with wheat oil, those who had taken Omega-3 in the form of triglycerides showed a significant reduction in blood lipid concentrations under fasting conditions.

An increasingly well-known phenomenon

These new findings provide further evidence that not all Omega-3 products are equivalent. Data collected to date show that EPA and DHA taken in the form of re-esterified triglycerides are more bioavailable. This means that the amount of Omega-3 present in the blood after taking the supplement is greater. In addition, EPA and DHA concentrate in the body in higher amounts and more rapidly when taken as triglycerides. Finally, in this form Omega-3 helps reduce fasting blood lipid levels.  

Source 

1. Schuchardt JP, Neubronner J, Kressel G, Merkel M, von Schacky C, Hahn A, "Moderate doses of EPA and DHA from re-esterified triacylglycerols but not from ethyl-esters lower fasting serum triacylglycerols in statin-treated dyslipidemic subjects: Results from a six-month randomized controlled trial," Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2011 Dec;85(6):381-6. Epub 2011 Aug 20. 

2. Neubronner J, Schuchardt JP, Kressel G, Merkel M, von Schacky C, Hahn A, "Enhanced increase of Omega-3 index in response to long-term n-3 fatty acid supplementation from triacylglycerides versus ethyl esters," Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Feb;65(2):247-54 

3. Dyerberg J, Madsen P, Møller JM, Aardestrup I, Schmidt EB, "Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations Original Research Article," Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2010 Sep;83(3):137-4