Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of triglycerides (TG) and their benefits
Do you supplement with Omega-3? Do you know how incredibly important they are for the proper functioning of the body? And do you know which form is best absorbed by the body and why?
Our body better absorbs Omega-3 in the form of triglycerides, which occur naturally in fish, and their content and composition depend on the type of fish and the latitude in which they live. Marine animals obtain them from phytoplankton (having the ability to biosynthesize EPA and DHA) and store them in their bodies.
What are omega-3 fatty acids in the form of triglycerides?
The term "triglycerides" refers to their structure - they consist of three parallel chains of fatty acids connected at one end with a glycerol skeleton.
It is worth knowing that food supplements with fish oil are most often found in two forms. These include:
- Natural triglycerides (TG).
- Ethyl esters (EE).
The first form (TG) due to its structure ensures greater stability of fatty acids and prevents their breakdown and oxidation - and this is what free fatty acids. Fish oil in this form has a higher bioavailability than ethyl esters [1,2], which means that the body absorbs EPA and DHA acids better. This is because fatty acids in the form of ethyl esters, due to their different chemical structure, are subject to more complicated absorption processes.
Why is omega-3 digestion so important?
Properties of omega-3 acids. What are the benefits of their supplementation?
There are many beneficial effects of omega 3 supplementation:
- They have a positive effect on our cardiovascular system, taking care of a healthy heart, maintaining proper blood pressure and lowering the level of unfavourable triglycerides in the blood.
- They are also responsible for proper vision.
- and proper brain function [6].
Therefore, to get the maximum benefits from supplementation, you should pay attention to provide our body with these precious acids in the form of naturally occurring triglycerides. A form that ensures better absorption and consequently provides our body with the right doses of unsaturated EPA and DHA acids..
[1] Dyerberg, J., Madsen, P., Møller, J. M., Aardestrup, I., & Schmidt, E. B. (2010). Bioavailability of marine n-3 fatty acid formulations. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 83(3), 137–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plefa.2010.06.007
[2] Chevalier, L., Plourde, M. Comparison of pharmacokinetics of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in monoacylglycerol or ethyl ester in humans: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 75, 680–688 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-020-00767-4\
[3] Garaiova, I., Guschina, I. A., Plummer, S. F., Tang, J., Wang, D., & Plummer, N. T. (2007). A randomised cross-over trial in healthy adults indicating improved absorption of omega-3 fatty acids by pre-emulsification. Nutrition journal<, >6, 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-6-4
[4] Mu, H., & Høy, C. E. (2004). The digestion of dietary triacylglycerols. Progress in lipid research, 43(2), 105–133.https://doi.org/10.1016/s0163-7827(03)00050-x
[5] Yang, L. Y., Kuksis, A., & Myher, J. J. (1990). Lipolysis of menhaden oil triacylglycerols and the corresponding fatty acid alkyl esters by pancreatic lipase in vitro: a reexamination. Journal of lipid research, 31(1), 137–147.
[6]COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 432/2012 List of permitted health claims.
