2008/703 Improving erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid profiles and health status in adults through increased consumption of canned tuna

By Jocelyn Migdley

Commercial in Confidence

Consumer awareness of omega-3 health benefits is increasing continually, which is reflected in increasing sale figures of omega-3 supplements in Australia between 2004 and 2006. The success of omega-3 supplements might have resulted from the intense clinical research with fish oil supplements. In contrast, very little research has been conducted in the area of processed seafood. Therefore, the fishery and fish processing industry should take the opportunity to support and initiate research which is aiming to highlight the advantages of seafood over supplements.

The aim of this project was to demonstrate that regular consumption of John West canned fish can lead to increased omega-3 levels in red blood cells and how the increase is associated with a range of cardio metabolic health benefits.