Short-term bioavailability of EPA and DHA from an algae oil-fortified soymilk compared with algae oil capsules.

In 30 seconds

This 4-week, open-label, randomized parallel trial compared short-term EPA and DHA bioavailability from algae oil-fortified soymilk with algae oil capsules in 21 healthy adults. Participants consumed either soymilk providing 200 mg EPA and 320 mg DHA daily or capsules providing 230 mg EPA and 380 mg DHA daily. EPA and DHA increased significantly in red blood cells (RBCs), plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in both groups. Capsules produced a greater unadjusted increase in RBC and plasma DHA, but dose- and compliance-adjusted accumulation did not differ significantly between delivery methods.

Key findings

• After 4 weeks, both groups had significantly increased EPA and DHA across RBC, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell compartments.
• The capsule group had a greater unadjusted increase in RBC and plasma DHA; this difference was not significant after adjustment for dose and compliance.
• The soymilk provided 200 mg EPA and 320 mg DHA daily, compared with 230 mg EPA and 380 mg DHA from capsules.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that algae oil can increase circulating and cellular EPA and DHA when delivered in a fortified beverage, not only in capsules. A food-based option may be relevant where dietary EPA and DHA intake is low, although this short trial assessed blood fatty-acid changes rather than clinical health outcomes.

What to keep in mind

The trial was small, short-term, and open-label; it enrolled healthy adults and assessed blood fatty-acid profiles rather than clinical outcomes.