Phospholipid Effects on Omega-3 Fatty Acid Uptake and Postprandial Lipid Metabolism

Emma Burnett
MSc Student 
Department of Biochemistry

Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Room: CSF 1302

Abstract:

Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential dietary components known for their role in cognitive, neural, and visual development and in promoting healthy immune responses. Despite their importance, the Western diet is often deficient in these fatty acids, leading to increased use of fish oil (FO) and krill oil (KO) supplements. FO primarily consists of triacylglycerols, whereas KO contains a high proportion of phospholipids (PL), which may enhance n-3 PUFA bioavailability. This study investigates the impact of PL on the redistribution of n-3 PUFA post-absorption when consumed as part of KO or supplemented with FO. A randomized crossover postprandial design using juvenile pigs (n=6, treatments n=36) as models for the adolescent human digestive system was employed. Pigs were surgically fitted with veinous and gastric catheters to allow precise administration of test meals and blood sample collection. Each test meal, identical in macronutrient composition but varying in fat source (FO, FO+PL, KO, n-6 PUFA, n-6 PUFA+PL, n-9 MUFA), was administered after a 12-hour fasting period and separated by a 48-hour washout. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 30 mins, and then continued hourly for 8 hours post-meal. Serum lipemia levels were quantified using spectrophotometry, serum fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography and in-depth fatty acid distribution analysis will be performed using Zeno time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Zeno TOF). Consumption of n-3 PUFA with or from a phospholipid dietary source is anticipated to reduce serum lipemia levels and enhance redistribution onto PL post-absorption, thereby increasing bioavailability. These findings are expected to provide insights into the metabolic fate of n-3 PUFA from different dietary sources and highlight the role of PL in improving absorption and utilization.