Bioavailability and safety of a high dose of docosahexaenoic acid triacylglycerol of algal origin in cystic fibrosis patients: a randomized, controlled study.
Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
randomized trial
Participants
Twenty subjects with CF (8 to 20 y of age)
Interventions
algal oil providing 50 mg of DHA per kilogram per day (1 to 4.2 g of DHA per subject per day) or placebo for 6 mo
Outcome measures
Fatty acids, liver enzymes, and lipid soluble antioxidants were measured in blood at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 mo. Rectal biopsy specimens were collected at baseline and at 3 mo for fatty acid analysis. Lung function, anthropometrics, and adverse experiences were monitored throughout the study.
Main results
Compared with placebo, DHA supplementation increased plasma, erythrocyte, and rectal DHA levels four- to five-fold (P < 0.001) with concomitant decreases in blood arachidonic acid levels and the ratio of arachidonic acid to DHA. Supplementation was well tolerated, with no treatment-related changes in liver enzymes, growth, or antioxidant status. DHA supplementation had no detectable effect on lung function during the course of this study.
Authors' conclusions
Algal DHA triacylglycerol oil is readily absorbed, well tolerated, and increases blood and tissue DHA levels in patients with CF. No adverse developments were associated with this large dose of DHA oil. Larger studies of longer duration are needed to determine whether DHA supplementation results in any clinically significant benefits in patients with CF.