High potency fish oil supplement improves omega-3 fatty acid status in healthy adults: an open-label study using a web-based, virtual platform.
BACKGROUND
The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from fish are well known, and fish oil supplements are used widely in a preventive manner to compensate the low intake in the general population. The aim of this open-label study was to determine if consumption of a high potency fish oil supplement could improve blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and impact SF-12 mental and physical health scores in healthy adults.


METHODS
A novel virtual clinical research organization was used along with the HS-Omega-3 Index, a measure of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids that has been shown to correlate with a reduction in cardiovascular and other risk factors. Briefly, adult subjects (mean age 44 years) were recruited from among U.S. health food store employees and supplemented with 1.1 g/d of omega-3 from fish oil (756 mg EPA, 228 mg DHA, Minami Nutrition MorEPA Platinum) for 120 days (n = 157).


RESULTS
Omega-3 status and mental health scores increased with supplementation (p < 0.001), while physical health scores remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a virtual, web-based platform shows considerable potential for engaging in clinical research with normal, healthy subjects. A high potency fish oil supplement may further improve omega-3 status in a healthy population regularly consuming an omega-3 supplement.
Jay K
JK
Udani
Barry W
BW
Ritz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000097:blood; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000737:chemistry; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000097:blood*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006306:Health Surveys; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid