Improvement in the plasma omega-3 index by the use of a fish oil-enriched spread

Background: The main aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the omega-3 status can be improved by the use of a fish oil-enriched spread in a regular diet. Methods: The study started with an open arm where the participants consumed their regular diets followed by a randomized placebo-controlled arm with the inclusion of a spread which was either fish oil enriched or not (control). After each period, the fatty acid composition of red blood cell (RBC) and plasma phospholipids was determined by standard procedures and the sum of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid calculated. t tests were performed to calculate the significance. The first-order linear model was used to calculate correlations between selected parameters. Results: When the patients were on their usual diets, a strong correlation was found between the omega-3 index based on RBCs and plasma. In the group consuming the fish oil-enriched spread, the omega-3 index based on both RBCs and plasma was significantly higher after 3 weeks of intervention. This was not the case after intervention with the control spread. Conclusion: Inclusion of reasonable amounts of a fish oil-enriched spread in an otherwise regular diet can be sufficient for obtaining a significant increase in omega-3 index. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.