Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Rich Extract from the Microalga Nannochloropsis Decreases Cholesterol in Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Three-Month Supplementation Study

Amanda Rao, David Briskey, Jakob O Nalley, Eneko Ganuza, Amanda Rao, David Briskey, Jakob O Nalley, Eneko Ganuza

Abstract

The aim of this trial is to assess the effect of Almega®PL on improving the Omega-3 Index, cardio-metabolic parameters, and other biomarkers in generally healthy individuals. The benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health are primarily built upon mixtures of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA). Highly purified EPA therapy has proven to be particularly effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but less is known about the benefits of EPA-only supplementation for the general healthy population. Almega®PL is a polar rich oil (>15%) derived from the microalga Nannochloropsis that contains EPA (>25%) with no DHA. Participants (n = 120) were given a capsule of 1 g/day of either Almega®PL or placebo for 12 weeks. Differences in the Omega-3 Index, cardiometabolic markers, and other general health indicators were measured at the baseline, six, and 12 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, Almega®PL supplementation significantly increased the Omega-3 Index and EPA concentration from 4.96 ± 0.90 and 0.82 ± 0.37% at the baseline to 5.75 ± 0.90 and 1.27 ± 0.36 at week 12, respectively. Very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) decreased by 25%, which resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol compared to the placebo. Interestingly, the decrease in VLDL was not associated with an increase in LDL, which seems to be a benefit associated with EPA-only based formulations. Collectively, these results show that Almega®PL provides a natural EPA-only option to increase EPA and manage cholesterol levels in the general population.

Keywords: Nannochloropsis; cardiovascular health; cholesterol; dietary supplements; eicosapentaenoic acid; galactolipids; long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; microalgae; polar lipids; very-low-density lipoprotein.

Conflict of interest statement

E.G. and J.O.N. are employees of Qualitas Health, the biotech company that provided the Almega®PL and placebo supplements and sponsored this trial.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A total of 120 participants were randomized to receive Almega®PL or placebo treatment. Study completers (n = 104) included participants who completed the week 12 visit. Participants who dropped out were not included in the statistical analysis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Omega-3 Index, or EPA + DHA % of total erythrocyte fatty acids, measured at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Values represented as mean ± SD, * change from baseline (Δ values) significantly different between groups, p < 0.05.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Change in total cholesterol (a), non-HDL-cholesterol (b), VLDL (c) and LDL (d) in plasma (mmol/L) of 76 participants with higher baseline cholesterol over the 12-week intervention Values represented as mean ± SEM, * change from baseline significantly different to placebo, p < 0.05.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Profile of Mood States (POMS), subscore for Vigour for both the Almega®PL group and the placebo group. Values represented as mean ± SEM, * change from baseline significantly different to placebo, p < 0.05.

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Source: PubMed

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