It takes guts to BBB

The goal of this research is to improve the market perspective of sustainable omega-3 rich oils, such as algae and krill oil, by demonstrating their health benefits. Fish oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular DHA, have been shown to have health benefits on several aspects, such as the immune system and the brain. More recently, algae and krill oils rich in omega-3 PUFAs have been proposed as an attractive sustainable alternative. However, the chemical properties of omega-3 oils derived from algae and krill differ from the oils derived from those of fish; fish oils are more complex and variable with PUFAs and other fatty acids being obtained from the fish’s diet. Consequently, the mechanism of uptake of omega-3 structures in the human GI-tract is not yet completely clear as the structural properties are driving bioavailability. By studying the relationship between structural aspects before and after in vitro digestion, in relation to uptake, omega-3 rich products with high bioavailability and bioactivity can be explored and used by companies interested in omega-3 enriched products. Therefore, we will investigate the bioavailability/bioaccessibility and health benefits of differently designed omega-3 oils in order to bring out the health benefits of sustainable oils. Within this project we will chemically characterise different oils to study the properties of digested triglycerides before and after absorption and optimise the characterisation techniques accordingly. Furthermore, the oils will be investigated within in vitro and in vivo gut immune and brain models to link bioavailability to bioactivity properties and confirm health aspects as seen for fish PUFAs. An important novel aspect is the use of the INFOGEST model for in vitro digestion. Our models will be validated in a human plasmakinetics study for uptake and bioavailability, and a Parkinson’s disease mouse model for immune and brain health.