Ethyl Esters Versus Triglycerides: Fact or Fiction Part II

Research reveals that the results are dependent upon the active amounts of EPA and DHA found in the oil.

FACT: Lots of studies demonstrate that the ethyl ester form of omega-3 is very bioavailable. A study was conducted to learn more about the absorption and incorporation of ethyl esters into the body.[i]

As reported in the British Journal of Nutrition, “In conclusion, EPA ethyl esters are rapidly incorporated into plasma lipids, especially into PL. The relatively long half-life of EPA in plasma would permit a dosing schedule with intervals of ≥12 h in supplementation studies.” The PL refers to the plasma phospholipids.

Omega-3 Ethyl Esters are effective and used in many clinical studies

FACT: According to a review on omega-3 featured in Vascular Health and Risk Management, “While the results with fish and fish oils have been not as clear cut, the data generated with the purified ethyl ester forms of these two fatty acids are consistent.”[ii]

Results are dependent on the amount of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) consumed.

FACT:.A 14 day study of 101 people taking 5.1 grams per day of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA as ethyl esters showed beneficial results. The beneficial metabolites of fish oils are the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. According to The bioavailability and pharmacodynamics of different concentrations of omega-3 acid ethyl esters, “Very high concentrations of omega-3 acid ethyl esters (80%) appear to have higher uptake and are more potent for reducing triglycerides (TGs) and VLDL-cholesterol than formulations with lower concentrations.” [iii]

FACT: Researchers in Norway found that when 14 healthy male volunteers took an equivalent amount of omega-3 as ethyl esters or glycerol esters (triglyceride form), the absorption from both forms of omega-3 was just as good. As reported in the medical journal, “Thus, after administration twice daily for 14 days, the amounts of EPA and DHA in total serum lipids and in serum phospholipids were essentially identical for the two ester forms of the n-3 fatty acids.” (IV)

Res-Q 1250 offers an ethyl ester form of omega-3 which is appropriate for encapsulation (Res-Q 1250 Capsules), and a triglyceride form (Res-Q 1250 Liquid) which is appropriate for a liquid product. Both products are equally effective. Both products are formulated to provide similar levels of EPA/DHA which is necessary for desired results, and to last just as long when taken as directed, providing the same economic value to our customers.

Any questions?

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[i] Incorporation and washout of orally administered n-3 fatty acid ethyl esters in different plasma lipid fractions. Br J Nutr. 1999 Dec;82(6):481-8.
[ii] A review of omega-3 ethyl esters for cardiovascular prevention and treatment of increased blood triglyceride levels. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2006;2(3):251-62.

(iii) The bioavailability and pharmacodynamics of different concentrations of omega-3 acid ethyl esters. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006 Jul;75(1):19-24. Epub 2006 Jun 27
(IV) The enteral bioavailability of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid is as good from ethyl esters as from glyceryl esters in spite of lower hydrolytic rates by pancreatic lipase in vitro. Biochim Biophys Acta 1993 May 20;1168(1):59-67