Omega-3s for Weight Loss & Metabolism? New Study

Clinical Evidence

The investigation evaluated a novel antioxidant lipid formulation (ALω‑3) produced by enzymatic acidolysis of an EPA/DHA concentrate combined with maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) extract. In a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 120 adults (age 30‑65 y) with overweight (BMI 25‑30 kg/m²) and at least two metabolic‑syndrome criteria were assigned to either ALω‑3 (n = 60) or a matched placebo (n = 60) for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in body‑weight, waist‑circumference, fasting glucose, and HOMA‑IR. The ALω‑3 group experienced a mean reduction in body‑weight of –2.3 kg (95 % CI –3.1 to –1.5 kg) versus –0.4 kg (95 % CI –1.0 to 0.2 kg) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Waist circumference decreased by 4.2 cm (95 % CI –5.0 to –3.4 cm) compared with 0.8 cm (95 % CI –0.2 to 1.8 cm) in controls (p < 0.001). Fasting glucose fell by 8 mg/dL (95 % CI –10.5 to –5.5 mg/dL) in the active group versus 1 mg/dL (95 % CI –2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL) in placebo (p = 0.004). HOMA‑IR improved by –0.9 (95 % CI –1.2 to –0.6) versus –0.1 (95 % CI –0.4 to 0.2) (p = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in lipid profile or blood pressure. The authors concluded that ALω‑3 supplementation produced clinically relevant reductions in adiposity and insulin resistance markers in a short‑term intervention.

Mechanisms of Action

The ALω‑3 formulation integrates EPA/DHA long‑chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‑PUFAs) with polyphenol‑rich maqui extract, producing a hybrid antioxidant lipid. Enzymatic acidolysis using non‑specific lipase B yields esterified EPA/DHA bound to phenolic moieties, enhancing membrane incorporation and oxidative stability. In vitro assays reported that ALω‑3 increased cellular membrane fluidity and up‑regulated peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α) transcriptional activity (fold‑change +2.1, p < 0.01), promoting fatty‑acid oxidation. Simultaneously, the maqui‑derived anthocyanins (delphinidin‑3‑O‑glucoside) activated nuclear factor erythroid‑2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways, increasing expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) by 35 % (p = 0.02). The combined effect reduces oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial β‑oxidation, and attenuates inflammatory signaling (NF‑κB activity reduced by 28 %, p = 0.03), thereby contributing to the observed metabolic improvements.

Safety Profile

Adverse‑event monitoring recorded mild gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, n = 5; mild nausea, n = 3) in the ALω‑3 group, comparable to placebo (n = 4). No serious adverse events were reported. Laboratory safety parameters (liver enzymes, coagulation profile) remained within normal limits, and no clinically relevant changes in platelet aggregation were observed, suggesting low bleeding‑risk at the administered dose. The study excluded participants on anticoagulants, indicating a precautionary contraindication for individuals on high‑dose omega‑3 therapy or anticoagulant medication.

Dosage Information

Participants received 2 g/day of the ALω‑3 formulation, delivering approximately 1.2 g EPA + 0.8 g DHA, combined with 300 mg of maqui polyphenols (total anthocyanin content ≈ 30 mg). The supplement was administered orally in two divided capsules taken with meals, for a total duration of 12 weeks. Compliance was > 90 % based on capsule count.

Evidence Quality Assessment

The study is a well‑designed, double‑blind RCT with adequate sample size (n = 120) and objective metabolic endpoints, providing moderate‑to‑strong evidence for short‑term efficacy of ALω‑3 in overweight adults with metabolic‑syndrome features. However, the single‑center design, limited duration (12 weeks), and lack of long‑term follow‑up temper the strength of conclusions. Replication in larger, multi‑ethnic cohorts and longer intervention periods would be required to confirm durability of effects and safety.