Methods of assessment of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status in humans: a systematic review

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#biomarkers #dietary-supplements #docosahexaenoic-acids #eicosapentaenoic-acid #female

Methods of assessment of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status in humans: a systematic review

Fekete et al., 2009 | Am J Clin Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Fekete Katalin, Marosvölgyi Tamás, ... Decsi Tamás. Methods of assessment of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status in humans: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009-Jun;89(6):2070S-2084S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27230I

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The availability of reliable biomarkers of n-3 (omega-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status is a prerequisite for linking dietary n-3 LCPUFA status to clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the usefulness of different biomarkers of n-3 LCPUFA status in healthy humans. DESIGN: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cochrane databases from inception to September 2007 for human intervention studies in which n-3 LCPUFA status changed after > or =2 wk of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation. We used formal inclusion/exclusion criteria and applied standard procedures for data extraction, validity assessment, and meta-analysis. RESULTS: We included 41 studies (34 randomized controlled trials and 7 before-after studies) reporting on 18 different biomarkers. The data allowed specific evaluation of biomarkers of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) status in response to supplementation. There were sufficient data to determine that plasma DHA, plasma phospholipid DHA, plasma triacylglycerol DHA, plasma cholesteryl ester DHA, plasma nonesterified DHA, erythrocyte DHA, erythrocyte phospholipid DHA, and platelet DHA were all effective biomarkers of DHA status and that plasma phospholipid EPA was an effective marker of EPA status. Plasma phospholipid DHA appears to be a good marker of DHA status in adult men and women irrespective of DHA baseline status or supplementation dose, but its usefulness in other population subgroups is unclear. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a range of useful biomarkers of DHA status in humans, but further research is needed to characterize which work best in particular population subgroups.

Key Findings

We included 41 studies (34 randomized controlled trials and 7 before-after studies) reporting on 18 different biomarkers. The data allowed specific evaluation of biomarkers of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) status in response to supplementation. There were sufficient data to determine that plasma DHA, plasma phospholipid DHA, plasma triacylglycerol DHA, plasma cholesteryl ester DHA, plasma nonesterified DHA, erythrocyte DHA, erythrocyte phospholipid

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy humans
Sample Size 41
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutritional Status

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09