In a recent study, Ahilflower oil significantly increased EPA omega-3 levels in humans

Image courtesy of Nature's Crops International

A recently published study¹ found that Ahiflower oil from the seeds of Buglossoides arvensis may improve plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels. In the study, 29 healthy male volunteers were given sequential interventions of ahiflower oil, taurine and ahiflower oil, and taurine alone. The researchers hypothesized that because taurine is an amino sulfonic acid associated with tissues rich in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, it may play a role in EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) metabolism. Ahiflower oil for its part is rich in alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SDA), which are precursor fatty acids for the endogenous synthesis of omega-3s. Researchers also cultivated HepG2 cells that were treated with isolated fatty acids ALA, SDA, EPA, DHA, as well as taurine alone or together with SDA.

Results showed that ahiflower oil consumption significantly improved plasma EPA levels but did not affect DHA levels in human participants. In SDA-treated HepG2 cells researchers observed 65% higher EPA levels than ALA-treated cells. The results of this study suggest that SDA may be a more powerful modulator of EPA than ALA. Additionally, while taurine is found at high concentrations in omega-3 rich tissues such as the retina, it did not affect the fatty acid profiles in vivo or in vitro. Although, the researchers say that taurine may protect polyunsaturated fatty acid from lipid peroxidation and support osmoregulatory functions.

Reference

1. Seidel, U.; Eberhardt, K.; Wiebel, M.; Luersen, K.; Ipharraguerre, I.R.; Haegela, F.A.; Winterhalter, P.; Bosy-Wesphal, A.; Schebb, N.H.; Rimbach, G. Stearidonic acid improves eicosapentaenoic acid status: studies in humans and cultured hepatocytes. Front. Nutr. 2024, 11. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1359958