Evaluation of the composition of omega-3 fatty acids in dietary oil supplements |
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Authors: | Karina HAMILTON Peter BROOKS Mark HOLMES Judy CUNNINGHAM Fraser D. RUSSELL |
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Affiliation: | 1. Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, and;2. Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
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Abstract: | Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the fatty acid composition of 19 dietary oil supplements that are commercially available in Australia, comparing findings with manufacturers' reported omega-3 fatty acid content. Methods: Fifteen fish oil supplements and four non-fish oil supplements were obtained from Australian retail stores. Fatty acids were derivatised, and fatty acid methyl esters were quantitated using classical GC-flame ionisation detection methods. Composition of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid reported by supplement manufacturers was compared with experimental values using the Bland-Altman plot. Results: The combined eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid content in the fish oil and non-fish oil supplements was 17.63–71.45% and 0.00–0.05% respectively. A high level of congruency was observed for the composition of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid reported by manufacturers and determined experimentally (mean difference, eicosapentaenoic acid, 13.2 mg; docosahexaenoic acid, 12.8 mg). Conclusion: Current practice in pre-market assessment of complementary medicines in Australia is satisfactory for supplements examined in the present study. Intake of these fish oil supplements can be used to provide high levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that would be otherwise difficult to achieve through normal dietary intake alone. |
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Keywords: | dietary supplement docosahexaenoic acid eicosapentaenoic acid fish oil omega-3 fatty acid |
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