Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of fish oil and multivitamin supplementation on the incorporation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids into red blood cells

Nutrients. 2014 May 14;6(5):1956-70. doi: 10.3390/nu6051956.

Abstract

The present randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-groups clinical trial examined the effects of fish oil and multivitamin supplementation on the incorporation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids into red blood cells. Healthy adult humans (n = 160) were randomized to receive 6 g of fish oil, 6 g of fish oil plus a multivitamin, 3 g of fish oil plus a multivitamin or a placebo daily for 16 weeks. Treatment with 6 g of fish oil, with or without a daily multivitamin, led to higher eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) composition at endpoint. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) composition was unchanged following treatment. The long chain LC n-3 PUFA index was only higher, compared to placebo, in the group receiving the combination of 6 g of fish oil and the multivitamin. Analysis by gender revealed that all treatments increased EPA incorporation in females while, in males, EPA was only significantly increased by the 6 g fish oil multivitamin combination. There was considerable individual variability in the red blood cell incorporation of EPA and DHA at endpoint. Gender contributed to a large proportion of this variability with females generally showing higher LC n-3 PUFA composition at endpoint. In conclusion, the incorporation of LC n-3 PUFA into red blood cells was influenced by dosage, the concurrent intake of vitamin/minerals and gender.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Erythrocytes / chemistry*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage*
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6
  • Fish Oils
  • Vitamins
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid