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What is it?

  • Fish (or marine) oil comprises of >50 fatty acid isomers. These include the major groupings of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (divided into omega-6 and omega-3). The relative composition varies according the type of fish from which the oil is derived.
  • By far the most abundant of the fatty acids in fish oil, and the basis for its consumption, are the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid [EPA; 20:5n-3] and Docosahexaenoic Acid [DHA; 22:6n-3].
  • When EPA and DHA are provided in the diet, through either food such as fish or as a supplemental fish oil, the fatty acid profiles of the plasma, whole blood and red blood cells membranes are modified. These increased concentrations of EPA and DHA reduce the overall omega-6 / omega-3 ratio and specially the arachidonic acid (AA) / eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio in favour of anti-inflammation.
  • Most notably, these changes in the proportion of EPA and DHA of the red blood cell membrane, represent the long-term dietary intake of these polyunsaturated fatty acids and act as a biomarker for other tissues. For example, skeletal muscle, heart and brain avidly incorporate membrane DHA. Remodelling of these membranes has been shown to…
    • Improve the omega-3 status: The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is the relative sum of EPA% + DHA% in the red blood cell membrane. It is desirable for the O3I to be >8%. As a consequence of increasing the O3I, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio will be reduced <5 and the AA / EPA <11, which are promoted ratios for cardio-protection (O3I) and anti-inflammation (omega-6 / omega-3 and AA/EPA).1,2
    • Modify physiological function: Preliminary evidence supports that an improved omega-3 status i). May reduce physiological strain, through for example, a reduction in heart rate1,3 ii). Aid in the recovery process via an anti-inflammatory (EPA) and pro-resolvin effects (DHA) (which turn off the inflammation process)4 and iii). Potentially protect against a reduction in muscle protein synthesis during periods of immobilisation, such as injury.5

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