Exploring Sustainable Alternatives to Marine Oils: A Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of Echium and Ahiflower Oils for Omega-3 Supplementation

• Grant number: 24/17937-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Inar Castro Erger
• Grantee: Maria Vitoria Emiliano Machado
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6), is widely recommended for their ability to reduce cardiovascular residual risk, with marine oils being the primary source for such supplementation. However, marine oils present several limitations, including the presence of cholesterol, high cost, potential contamination, unpleasant taste, and sustainability issues. Another option is ¿-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3), found in several edible oils, but ALA must be converted to EPA after ingestion to exert the same beneficial cardiovascular effects. Unfortunately, the conversion rate of ALA to EPA in humans is very low. Given these limitations, alternative vegetable-based and sustainable sources, such as echium and ahiflower oils, should be investigated, particularly regarding their metabolism in humans. Echium and ahiflower seeds are non-GMO alternatives to marine oils for n-3 FA supplementation due to their high content of stearidonic acid (SDA; C18:4), which has a conversion rate to EPA that is approximately five times higher than ALA. It is generally agreed that an intake of more than 2.0 g/day of EPA and DHA is necessary to achieve significant cardiovascular benefits. Thus, the hypothesis of this study is that this level of supplementation could be achieved with echium or ahiflower oils. To test this hypothesis, a randomized crossover clinical trial will be conducted with 15 participants over eight weeks of treatment, followed by a four-week washout period. In this trial, one group will be supplemented with 3 capsules per day of EPA (2.34 g), the second group will receive a daily sachet containing 60 ml of echium oil, and the third group will receive a daily sachet containing 46 ml of ahiflower oil. The subjects will be instructed to added the sachets directly in the food during their lunch or dinner. Blood samples will be collected before and after each phase of the crossover design, and fatty acids will be quantified in plasma, plasma fractions, and erythrocytes using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The results of this study will help assess the viability of n-3 FA supplementation based on sustainable, safe, and lower-cost alternatives to marine oils.