Content and economic evaluation of omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements

Abstract

Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are abundant in seafood and fish oils. They are recommended for their many health benefits. There has been a large and sustained growth in sales of nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, a total of 54 omega-3 fatty acids supplement products of various brands available in Turkey was analysed for their fatty acids content using gas chromatography. In 59.3 % of the products examined, EPA plus DHA content was found to be less than what was stated on the label. It was observed that 25.9 % could meet the daily EPA+DHA need with a capsule or a measure of consumption. Overall, 35.2 % of products were found satisfactory in terms of providing 80 % or more of the daily EPA+DHA requirement with a capsule or a measure of consumption and advantageous in terms of contents and price. The remaining 64.8 % of products could not provide 80 % of the daily EPA+DHA requirement with a single capsule. This study provided information on the accuracy of the declared contents of omega-3 fatty acids supplements and evaluated the advantages for the consumers.