A proper ratio of omega-6s/omega-3s could improve human EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) levels as much as an EPA supplement, according to new research published in the August issue of the journal Lipids.
A proper ratio of omega-6s/omega-3s could improve human EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) levels as much as an EPA supplement, according to new research published in the August issue of the journal Lipids.
Citing concerns that omega-6/omega-3 ratios in Western diets are far too imbalanced (estimated at up to 15:1 in favor of omega-6), researchers at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California sought to investigate whether ratios alone can influence intake levels of individual omega fatty acids.
Twenty four adults participated in a controlled feeding trial of four diets of differing omega-6/omega-3 ratios: 10:1; 10:1 plus an algal supplement of EPA/DHA (docosahexaenoic acid); 2:1; and 2:1 plus the supplement. Each subject completed three of these four diets in 8 week diet sequences.
Omega intake levels were measured in red blood cell membranes, with the 10:1 diet (minus the supplement) serving as baseline.
While a 10:1 diet with the supplement increased PEA levels by 34%, the 2:1 diet without a supplement increased EPA by 60%. The results brought the researchers to conclude that "Shifting towards a 2:1 diet is a valid alternative to taking EPA-containing supplements."
As for DHA, intake levels increased only with a supplement.
To read the study abstract, visit the journal Lipids.
Recent animal study finds that Lysoveta may help reduce neonatal brain injury
July 17th 2024A recent animal study found that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-bound omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), marketed as Lysoveta by Aker BioMarine, protected against neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in mice.
Krill oil supplementation raises Omega-3 Index of Lupus patients in recent study
July 16th 2024The study was conducted at 20 research centers in the United States by Aker BioMarine and the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network with oversight by Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical research affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance.
Meta-analysis does not find increased risk of bleeding events from omega-3 PUFA consumption
July 8th 2024Researchers reviewed 11 studies and found that there was no difference in the incidence of bleeding events between patients receiving omega-3 PUFAs and those not receiving them. High dose EPA consumption was associated with an elevated but modest risk.
Recent review states that pentadecanoic acid may support cellular stability for better longevity
June 25th 2024According to the paper’s author, Stephanie Venn-Watson, DVM, MPH, deficiency in pentadecanoic acid of ≤0.2% total circulating fatty acids increases the risk of ferroptosis, which a type of cell death cause by the peroxidation of fragile fatty acids in cell membranes that combines with iron thus increasing reactive oxygen species, and disabling mitochondria.