PL+ EPA/DHA shows over 10 times greater absorption in the body compared to traditional fish oil ethyl esters.
Oslo, December 2024 – A recent clinical study utilizing Aker BioMarine’s PL+ Technology platform, demonstrates a new formulation combining high phospholipid krill oil and ethyl esters (PL+ EPA/DHA) significantly enhances the absorption of EPA and DHA, the key omega-3 fatty acids. The randomized cross-over clinical trial, conducted with 12 healthy adults, found that PL+ EPA/DHA resulted in 10.5 times higher absorption of EPA and DHA after 12 hours (iAUC0-12h) as compared to standard (P < 0.001), highly concentrated fish oil in ethyl ester form, under low-fat diet conditions.
Improving omega-3 bioavailability
Aker BioMarine’s PL+ Technology is a delivery platform that optimizes the cellular uptake and absorption of ingredients such as omega fish oil sources (as indicated in this study), as well as Curcumin, CoQ10, and other ingredients, by using natural marine phospholipids (PLs) that are sustainably sourced in the Antarctic. Being both water and fat soluble, PLs naturally create micelles that help emulsify non-soluble and oil-based substances which are then easily digested by the body and absorbed into the cells. By combining PLs with other ingredients that have low bioavailability, this technology platform can enhance the uptake of these ingredients up to 25 times, bringing new and better cost-effective supplements to market.
In the current clinical trial, the researchers compared a phospholipid-enhanced omega-3 supplement (PL+ EPA/DHA) to a standard ethyl ester fish oil formulation. Participants received a single dose of each product after a low-fat breakfast with a 14-day washout period before switching to the other treatment.
“Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are critical for cardiovascular health, cognitive function and joint support. However, traditional fish oil ethyl esters, are poorly absorbed unless consumed with a fatty meal. This can be challenging for people following low-fat diets or those who generally take their omega-3 supplements in the morning on an empty stomach or with a relatively low-fat meal, which is why we set out to test an alternative formulation suitable for those conditions,” explains Yunpeng Ding, Director R&D, Aker BioMarine Human Health Ingredients (HHI).
Key results
- The novel omega-3 supplement (PL+ EPA/DHA) led to much higher absorption of key omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA compared to the standard ethyl ester product. In fact, the body absorbed more than 10 times as much omega-3 with PL+ EPA/DHA 12 hours post ingestion (iAUC0-12h, P < 0.001).
- The positive effects of this improved absorption lasted for up to 72 hours after taking the supplement, showing that PL+ EPA/DHA can provide lasting benefits (iAUC0-24h, iAUC0-72h, both P < 0.001).
- PL+ EPA/DHA achieved a peak concentration (Cmax) that was four times higher than those taking the standard ethyl ester product, indicating a significantly greater peak concentration (P < 0.001).
- The participants who took the PL+ EPA/DHA supplement reached peak levels of omega-3s in their blood faster (Tmax) than those taking the standard ethyl ester product, meaning the body absorbed PL+ EPA/DHA more efficiently (P = 0.03).
“This study is a breakthrough in omega-3 supplementation, particularly for those who do not consume high-fat meals,” adds Ding. “Our findings clearly suggest that the combination of krill oil phospholipids with ethyl esters, in our PL+ EPA/DHA formulation, significantly enhances the bioavailability of EPA and DHA, enabling consumers of this supplement to reap more benefits.”
Study design and methodology
The study, led by researchers from BioTeSys GmbH, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, and Aker BioMarine and conducted in Esslingen, Germany, employed a randomized, cross-over, single-dose trail design. Participants, with an average age of 34.3 years, received approximately 1,200 mg of EPA + DHA from either the PL+ EPA/DHA product or a standard ethyl ester fish oil product. Both supplements were taken with a low-fat meal to simulate everyday dietary conditions. Plasma concentrations were measured at regular intervals for the first 72 hours after dosing.
Implications for consumers
The results of this trial indicate that consumers who seek to optimize their omega-3 intake, especially under low-fat dietary conditions, may benefit more from the PL+ EPA/DHA formulation compared to standard ethyl ester products. The enhanced absorption of EPA and DHA in PL+ EPA/DHA could provide more consistent health benefits, more quickly, and for longer periods of time.
“We are pleased with the results of this study and are confident that the power of our PL+ Technology is the future when it comes to bringing quality, efficacious products to market,” says Thomas Repstad, Global Technical Marketing Manager at Aker BioMarine HHI. “When it comes to omega-3 options, many consumers are not familiar with the differences between forms, such as ethyl esters or triglycerides, and they may not be getting the health benefits desired. However, this new product formulation ensures that the omega-3s are absorbed regardless of the form. Over the last year, we have achieved successful commercial launches with our PL+ Technology in the United States and in Europe, as well as won an industry award for best delivery system from Whole Foods Magazine. We are excited to see what the future holds.”
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About PL+
PL+ technology from Aker BioMarine is a new self-emulsifying delivery platform for lipid based and lipid soluble supplements using sustainably sourced marine phospholipids. PL+ enables dual solubility in water and in fats and acts as an emulsifier and a booster of absorption to enhance uptake of supplements up to 25 times. More information available at https://www.phospholipid.plus/contact.
About Aker BioMarine
Aker BioMarine is a leading human health innovator that develops krill-derived products for consumer nutrition. The company has a strong position in its industry and is the world’s leading supplier of krill, the natural, powerful and health promoting source of nutrients from the pristine waters of Antarctica. Our ingredient portfolio consists of Superba Krill Oil, Lysoveta, FloraMarine, and PL+, as well as our consumer brand, Kori Krill. Our innovative approach also extends into spin-offs like AION (reduce and recycle plastic waste across industries), and Understory (our protein brand). Aker BioMarine is listed on Oslo Stock Exchange (AKBM). More information is available at www.akerbiomarine.com.
For more information, please contact:
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