Background – Both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n3) have been shown to have numerous health benefits. However, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n3) found particularly in red meat has been less well studied. The richest commercial source of DPA available is seal oil.
Objective – To compare the effects of DPA rich seal oil supplementation with fish oil, on measures of platelet activation and other CVD risk markers.
Design – A randomised, parallel, placebo controlled, double blind study was conducted. Thirty healthy subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups receiving: seal oil capsules (350 mg EPA, 450 mg DHA, 250 mg DPA), fish oil capsules (210 mg EPA, 810 mg DHA, 30 mg DPA) or placebo capsules (containing a vegetable oil with no EPA, DHA or DPA) for 14 days. Baseline and 14 day blood samples were tested for platelet activation, platelet aggregation, ATP release and incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into platelet phospholipids (PL). Full lipid profiles were also performed including total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and TG. Outcomes– Seal oil supplementation significantly increased incorporation of DPA, DHA and EPA (p<0.05) into platelet PL, whereas fish oil increased EPA and DHA only (p<0.05). A significant decrease in plasma TG (1.58 to 1.18 mmol/L, P<0.05) and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (1.40 to 1.56 mmol/L. P<0.05) were observed post seal oil supplementation.
Conclusion – This study further supports the suggestion that DPA may also have beneficial health effects. Acknowledgement – Supported by funding from Meat and Livestock Australia.