Anti-inflammatory properties of marine lipid compositions

Abstract

Novel marine lipid compositions comprising triglycerides and omega-3 rich phospholipids are described. The compositions are characterized by providing highly bioavailable omega-3, increased tissue incorporation of omega-3 and reduced concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

1 . A composition comprising phospholipids having the following structure:  
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein R1 is OH or a fatty acid, R2 is OH or a fatty acid, and R3 is a mixture of H, choline, ethanolamine, inositol and serine, said phospholipid having at least 1% of DHA/EPA at positions R1 and/or R2 and from about 20-50% of OH at positions R1 and/or R2.  
   
   
       2 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said composition is acylated in a range from about 55% to about 85%.  
   
   
       3 . The composition as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said composition has a ratio of EPA/DHA ranging from 1:1 to 4:1.  
   
   
       4 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said composition having a ratio of EPA/DHA ranging from 2:1 to 4:1.  
   
   
       5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises a lipid carrier in a ratio of from 1:10 to 10:1 to said phospholipids.  
   
   
       6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein said lipid carrier is selected from the group consisting of a triglyceride, a diglyceride, an ethyl ester, and a methyl ester and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The composition in  claim 1 , wherein said composition provides higher uptake of omega-3 fatty acids into plasma as compared to natural marine phospholipids.  
   
   
       8 . The composition in  claim 1 , wherein said composition improves the AA/EPA ratio in plasma phospholipids as compared to natural marine phospholipids.  
   
   
       9 . The composition in  claim 1 , wherein said composition increases the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in tissues as compared to natural marine phospholipids.  
   
   
       10 . The composition in  claim 1 , wherein said composition reduces the concentration of biomarkers of inflammation as compared to natural marine phospholipids.  
   
   
       11 . A food product comprising the composition in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       12 . An animal feed comprising the composition in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       13 . A food supplement comprising the composition in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       14 . A pharmaceutical comprising the composition in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       15 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein said lipid carrier and said phospholipids are in a ratio of from about 5:1 to 1:5.  
   
   
       16 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein said composition comprises from about 20% to about 90% of said phospholipid composition and from about 10% to about 50% of said lipid carrier.  
   
   
       17 . A method of preparing a bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition comprising: 
 a) providing a purified phospholipid composition comprising omega-3 fatty acid residues and a purified triglyceride composition comprising omega-3 fatty acid residues;    b) combining said phospholipid composition and said triglyceride composition to form a bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of encapsulating said bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition has increased bioavailability as compared to purified triglycerides or phospholipids comprising omega-3 fatty acid residues.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of packaging the bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition for use in functional foods.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of assaying the bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition for bioavailability.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising administering the bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition to a patient.  
   
   
       23 . A food product comprising a bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition made the process of  claim 17 .  
   
   
       24 . An animal feed comprising a bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition made the process of  claim 17 .  
   
   
       25 . A food supplement comprising a bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition made the process of  claim 17 .  
   
   
       26 . A pharmaceutical comprising a bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid composition made the process of  claim 17.