(P03-028-23) A Comparison of the Effects of Ruby-O and Krill Oil on Plasma Levels of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids After Acute Administration

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of EPA + DHA in an enhanced fish oil product vs. a traditional krill oil product in healthy adults (N=24).

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, crossover study evaluated the bioavailability of two formulations of 1 g EPA and DHA capsules that were administered 7-14 d apart in a random order. Ruby-O and the krill oil product delivered 337 mg and 206 mg EPA + DHA, respectively. Ruby-O was derived from marine sources (predominately anchovies), and proprietary technology was used to enhance its phospholipid content per gram of oil. Fasted subjects consumed a single dose of the assigned product, and plasma was obtained at baseline and at intervals for 24 h after dosing. Plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA, and EPA + DHA were evaluated.

Results: Twenty-four healthy adults were randomized, and all completed the trial. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) (90% CI) of incremental areas under the curve over 24 h (iAUC_0-24h) for Ruby-O:krill oil was 319/385 = 0.83 (0.60, 1.15) (primary outcome in h * nmol/L), indicating no difference in the overall bioavailability of EPA + DHA with Ruby-O compared to the krill oil product across the 24 h testing period. However, the GMR (90% CI) of the total AUC_0-10h for Ruby-O:krill oil was 1,597/1,534 = 1.04 (1.01, 1.08), suggesting greater absorption of EPA + DHA from Ruby-O during the first 10 h compared to the krill oil supplement. The baseline- adjusted maximum concentration of EPA + DHA was greater for Ruby-O vs. krill oil (GMR: 1.25; 90% CI: 1.03, 1.51).

Conclusions: Peak concentration and average plasma EPA + DHA from a single dose of Ruby-O was higher compared to the krill oil supplement during the first 10 h post-dosing, but no difference was observed for iAUC of EPA + DHA over 24-h.

Funding Sources: C.I. Naturmega S.A.