Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (May 2009)

Microencapsulated foods as a functional delivery vehicle for omega-3 fatty acids: a pilot study

  • David Robert M,
  • Mikus Catherine R,
  • Munsey Monica,
  • Hammar Molly K,
  • Earnest Conrad P,
  • Bralley J Alexander,
  • Church Timothy S

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-6-12
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
p. 12

Abstract

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Abstract It is well established that the ingestion of the omega-3 (N3) fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) positively benefit a variety of health indices. Despite these benefits the actual intake of fish derived N3 is relatively small in the United States. The primary aim of our study was to examine a technology capable of delivering omega-3 fatty acids in common foods via microencapsulation (MicroN3) in young, healthy, active participants who are at low risk for cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, we randomized 20 participants (25.4 ± 6.2 y; 73.4 ± 5.1 kg) to receive the double blind delivery of a placebo-matched breakfast meal (~2093 kJ) containing MicroN3 (450–550 mg EPA/DHA) during a 2-week pilot trial. Overall, we observed no differences in overall dietary macronutrient intake other than the N3 delivery during our treatment regimen. Post-test ANOVA analysis showed a significant elevation in mean (SE) plasma DHA (91.18 ± 9.3 vs. 125.58 ± 11.3 umol/L; P