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It's Oil the Same to Us
New human health trial shows plant produced omega-3 fats are just as effective nutritionally as fish oil.
Research, led by the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Medicine, has shown that key omega-3 fatty acids within GM plant oils are taken up and processed by the body in exactly the same way as when fish oils are eaten.
The findings are great news for Rothamsted, where Prof Johnathan Napier has pioneered the modification of the Camelina plants to produce the enhanced vegetable oil in their seeds.
He said: “It is genuinely exciting to see our research progress to the point where we are carrying out human studies, and even more pleasing to see such positive results.
"This first study in humans is both an important scientific advance and another step on our journey towards making this oil available to the consumer."
Mainly found in fish oil and oily fish, the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are key components of cell membranes and important for health and development, but there are no natural plant sources of these omega-3s.
The fats are well known to help protect against heart disease and strokes, but the UK population consumes less than half the recommended amounts of these key nutrients, mainly due to dietary choices that exclude fish, such as vegetarianism.
Additionally, current marine supplies can only meet 15 per cent of global demand, so there is a need for a source of omega-3 oils that is broadly acceptable to consumers, which can be scaled up to meet demands, and is sustainable.
Researchers at the University, led by Professor Graham Burdge, have for the first time tested in people whether the oil from the genetically modified plant is as good as fish oil in providing these fatty acids.
Their findings, which are published in the British Journal of Nutrition, show that when young and middle-aged men and women consumed the same amount of key fatty acids in a single standard meal, either as fish oil or as the oil from the genetically modified plant, there was no difference in their uptake or in the processing of the fats by the body.
Moreover, there was no difference between men and women, but older participants appeared to take up they fatty acids more efficiently. Significantly, there were no adverse effects on those who had consumed the modified oil.
Professor Graham Burdge, University of Southampton said: “These findings show that the oil from this transgenic plant is an effective and apparently safe means of providing EPA and DHA in the diet which overcomes the negative effect on EPA and DHA intakes of consuming a diet that excludes animal products.
“Furthermore, subject to further testing and regulatory approval, this would represent a unique opportunity for farmers that could have a positive impact on the nutrition of the global population.”
For more information on Rothamsted's work on Camelina, go to the impact story, “From oceans to fields and back again”.
Publication
Contacts
Prof. Johnathan Napier
Omega-3 Camelina Development
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.