22-10-2020
LIPIDS publishes PREPARE study on intervention with Smartfish´ Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids emulsion demonstrating effect on the follicular fluid for couples awaiting IVF
The University of Southampton has published another study from the PREPARE (PREconception dietary suPplements in Assisted REproduction) TRIAL investigating the effects of a six-week dietary intervention with Smartfish´ marine omega-3 fatty acids on fertility.
The University of Southampton has published another study from the PREPARE (PREconception dietary suPplements in Assisted REproduction) TRIAL investigating the effects of a six-week dietary intervention with Smartfish´ marine omega-3 fatty acids on fertility. The findings demonstrate an altered fatty acid composition of follicular fluid following the 6-week intervention (1).
Alexandra J. Kermack and colleagues conclude that “increased dietary intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids is reflected in an altered fatty acid profile of human follicular fluid with increased amounts of EPA and DHA”. This study is the first to report that a dietary intervention alters the fatty acid composition of follicular fluid in humans and shows the need for further research to determine the potential effects this intervention can have on improved oocyte quality.
The fatty acid composition of human follicular fluid is important for oocyte development and for pregnancy following in vitro fertilization (IVF). Lifestyle and clinical factors have been associated with the composition of follicular fluid, thus, this study investigated whether a six-week dietary intervention with marine omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, and vitamin D alters the fatty acid composition of human follicular fluid.
A total of 111 couples awaiting IVF or in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) were recruited to this double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received olive oil for cooking, an olive oil-based spread, and a daily supplement of Smartfish emulsion enriched with 800 mg EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), 1200 mg DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and 10 μg vitamin D. The control group received sunflower seed oil for cooking, a sunflower seed oil-based spread, and a daily supplemental drink without EPA, DHA, or vitamin D.
Dietary questionnaires were completed at baseline and blood samples were collected at baseline and after the six-weeks supplementation period. Follicular fluid was extracted at oocyte retrieval and the fatty acid profile was assessed using gas chromatography.
Results from this study showed higher percentages of EPA and DHA in follicular fluid of women who consumed supplemental drinks containing EPA and DHA compared to the control group. Furthermore, women in the intervention group had lower percentages of the omega-6 fatty acids linoleic acid and arachidonic acid.
The results of the current study (1) together with previous results from the PREPARE trial (2) shed light on some underlying causes of subfertility. The explanation might to some extent be the fatty acid composition of human follicular fluid and its impact on oocyte quality. Targeted dietary supplementation could potentially be a future way to address fertility issues says Mozhgan Dorkhan, Chief Scientific Officer at Smartfish.
For more information, please contact:
Mozhgan Dorkhan, Chief Scientific Officer of Smartfish, +46 731474331
Geir Harstad, CEO of Smartfish, + 46 763151160
Smartfish AS is active in the research, development, production and marketing of advanced clinically documented nutritional drinks within medical nutrition and sports nutrition. All Smartfish products are produced on its proprietary juice-based emulsion technology platform with the marine DHA and EPA fatty acids as important ingredients. Smartfish has a number of ongoing clinical development projects and studies in close collaboration with researchers and institutions both in Norway and internationally. The company was founded in 2001 and is located in Oslo, Norway. Smartfish’s main shareholders are Investinor, an investment company funded by the Norwegian Government, and Industrifonden, an independent Swedish early phase investment foundation.
- Kermack AJ, Wellstead SJ, Fisk HL, Cheong Y, Houghton FD, Macklon NS, et al. The Fatty Acid Composition of Human Follicular Fluid Is Altered by a 6-Week Dietary Intervention That Includes Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Lipids. 2020.
- Kermack AJ, Lowen P, Wellstead SJ, Fisk HL, Montag M, Cheong Y, et al. Effect of a 6-week "Mediterranean" dietary intervention on in vitro human embryo development: the Preconception Dietary Supplements in Assisted Reproduction double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 2020;113(2):260-9.
