Although omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the prevention of several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis, no study has been undertaken to determine the recommended daily intake.
To date researchers have only been able to determine a daily intake for vitamins and minerals.
Prof Spinney Benade, head of the unit that focuses on the research of foods that are beneficial to the health of consumers, said currently there are only three groups in South Africa researching aspects of omega-3 fatty acids.
However, the Cape Town based unit is the only one looking at ways and means of increasing the intake of omega -3 fatty acids.
With funding from the institution’s Innovation Board, the unit commenced a research project in 2009 to develop a method to test for the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
“Last year was the first time we worked on creating a model we could use to determine how much omega-3 you need a day. The model was successful. Now we are trying to establish how much omega-3 fatty acids an individual needs a day,” he said.
Dr Maretha Opperman who works alongside Prof Benade said 33 participants are involved in the study, which commenced earlier this year.
For purposes of the study, the participants were divided into four groups. Three groups are required to take different doses of omega-3 fatty acid capsules daily, while one group is required to avoid the intake of the fatty acid.
Dr Opperman said blood is drawn at various stages of the study in order to monitor the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on the participants.
“So far the study is going well. The participants understand the importance of the study,” she said.
If all goes as planned, the researchers hope to publish a paper on the study, detailing the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids before the end of the year.
The same study will also be applied to people living with HIV/Aids in order to determine the impact daily doses of omega-3 fatty acids could have on their health.
The unit also recently completed a study that looked at determining the true omega-3 fatty acid contents of supplements on the South African market in order to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of omega-3 fatty acid supplements available to the consumer, said Dr Opperman.
The study was completed and the first publication will be released this year.
By Candes Keating
Photograph: Prof Spinney Benade and Dr Maretha Opperman at work in the Functional Food Research Unit laboratory that is based at the Cape Town Campus.
