Squid Liver Oil: A New Source of Omega-3s?

Key Findings

The review highlights Commander squid (Berryteuthis magister) liver fat as a novel source of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), bound to phospholipids rather than triglycerides. It notes that squid fat also contains alkylglycerols (AKGs), bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. The authors suggest squid fat may offer superior bioavailability compared to fish oil due to its phospholipid matrix and AKG content, while also addressing sustainability by utilizing fishery byproducts.

Study Design

This 2022 review (PubMed ID: 36394935) analyzed existing literature on squid-derived lipids, focusing on Commander squid. The methodology included evaluating chemical composition, lipid forms, and potential health benefits of squid liver fat. No original human or animal trials were conducted; instead, the authors synthesized findings from prior studies on marine lipid sources.

Dosage & Administration

The review did not specify clinical dosages or administration protocols, as it was not an intervention study. It emphasized that squid fat’s ω-3 PUFAs and AKGs are naturally present in phospholipid form, which may enhance absorption compared to triglyceride-based fish oil supplements.

Results & Efficacy

The study reported squid liver fat contains up to 30% phospholipids, with ω-3 PUFAs esterified to these structures, potentially improving cellular uptake. AKGs were identified as unique components with preliminary evidence of antioxidant and anti-cancer activity in vitro. However, no quantitative efficacy data (e.g., effect sizes, p-values) were provided, as the review did not conduct meta-analyses or original experiments.

Limitations

1. Non-original research: As a review, it relied on existing studies without critical evaluation of methodology or quality of cited works.
2. Species specificity: Focus on Commander squid limits generalizability to other squid species.
3. Lack of human trials: No clinical evidence supports the proposed bioavailability or health benefits in humans.
4. Incomplete AKG data: Mechanisms of AKG action in squid fat remain poorly characterized compared to fish oil.

Clinical Relevance

For supplement users, this review suggests squid fat may represent a sustainable, underutilized source of ω-3s with structural advantages (phospholipid vs. triglyceride) and added AKGs. However, practical applications are speculative until human trials confirm absorption rates and health outcomes. The study advocates for further research into optimizing extraction methods and evaluating safety/efficacy in clinical settings. Consumers should prioritize established ω-3 sources like fish oil until squid-derived alternatives are rigorously tested.

Note: This analysis is limited to the cited review’s claims; no primary data were generated. The URL provided links to the PubMed abstract, but full text details were not accessible for deeper scrutiny.