Study interventions
UO was provided as 1,000 mg soft-gel capsules (Batch 141179), each containing 325 mg EPA and 225 mg DHA, along with 90 mg of other FA, in a 90% re-esterified TG form. M3 was provided as 1,000 mg soft-gel capsules (Batch153143), each containing 300 mg EPA and 200 mg DHA, along with 90 mg of other FA in a 70% re-esterified TG form. Subjects in the respective groups were instructed to consume five capsules daily, taken orally with water at breakfast, providing a total daily amount of 2,750 mg EPA+DHA for UO and 2,500 mg EPA+DHA for M3.The daily dosage level was selected in order to provide an easily comparable, statistically significant increase in ERC phospholipid (PL) N3PUFA content and serum PL N3PUFA content, using two similar chemical forms of EPA and DHA differing only in degree of re-esterification. The M3 oil was chosen because it approximated the EPA (92% w/w) and DHA (89% w/w) profile in UO. No dietary or lifestyle advice/counseling was given to study participants. Treatment compliance was evaluated at clinic visits by counting any unused capsules; minimum acceptable compliance was judged to be at least 80% of the intended dose. Study materials were provided in externally sealed, standard, high-density polyethylene bottles, each of which contained 150 capsules.