A new UK study shows that the daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids-containing supplements is much more effective in delivering these nutritional elements to the body than frequent fish consumption. Nutritionists recommend eating fish because it has been proven that the increased intake of Omega-3 fatty acids lowers the risk of developing a range of diseases. Nevertheless, most studies proving the benefits of Omega-3 intake have involved the use of dietary supplements. And since fish cannot be consumed every day as is the case with the intake of dietary supplements, researchers have undertaken the task to determine whether there is a difference in the short-term and long-term intake of Omega-3.
The study we are presenting here involves 65 adults (with a mean age of 50.6 years). They were divided into two groups, one of which (30 people) receiving Omega-3 dietary supplements twice a week and the other (35 people) receiving two doses every day in the course of 12 months. Both groups received identical amounts of EPA and DHA equal to two servings of oily fish per week.
After 12 months those who received Omega-3 dietary supplements every day had a significantly greater concentrations of EPA, DHA and EPA + DHA in the platelets and mononuclear cells compared to patients who received supplements intermittently. Here is what the authors of the study say: “The results of this study demonstrate that EPA and DHA enrichment of platelets and mononuclear cells is greater when provided as a continuous daily supply compared with the same amount in portions provided intermittently over the course of a 12-month intervention to mimic oil fish guidelines.”
Browining LM, Walker CG, et al. Compared with Daily, Weekly n-3 PUFA Intake Affects the Incorporation of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid into Platelets and Mononuclear Cells in Humans. J Nutr. 2014 May; 144(5): 667-72. doi:10.3945/jn.113.186346
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