ISSFAL Official Statement Number 6: The importance of measuring blood omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in research

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2019Source: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty AcidsAuthor(s): Renate H.M. de Groot, Barbara J. MeyerAbstractA statement on measuring blood omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels was developed and edited based on input from ISSFAL members and accepted by vote of the ISSFAL Board of Directors.Summary of Statement: Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) levels at baseline and post-intervention should be assessed and reported in future research to evaluate the efficacy of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation: because; 1. there are numerous factors that affect n-3 LCPUFA levels in humans as described in the systematic literature review [1]; 2. assessing intake of n-3 LCPUFA from the diet and/or supplements is not sufficient to accurately determine n-3 LCPUFA levels in humans; 3. some studies do not provide sufficient doses of n-3 LCPUFA to produce a significant impact on bloodstream/organ content and there is substantial variability in the uptake of n-3 LPCUFA into tissues between individuals. In secondary analyses, clinical trials should consider the influence of fatty acid status (baseline, endpoint and change from baseline to endpoint) on the outcome variables.
Source: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA) - Category: Lipidology Source Type: research