Fish Oil Tg vs Ee: Understanding Fish Oil Supplements
Updated Apr. 25th, 2024 | Read Time: 3 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Types of Fish Oil Extraction Methods: Tg vs Ee
- Triglyceride (TG)
- Ethyl Esters (EE)
- Understanding Reconversion: EE to TG
- Digestion of EE vs TG
- Final Cautions & Considerations When Shopping For a Fish Oil Supplement
Fish oil has been found to have an extremely long list of health benefits. Fish oil supplements are one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids available. The extraction method used to purify fish oil can produce two different forms of product. One is the naturally occurring triglyceride product (TG), while the other is the ethyl ester form (EE). Let's explore each variation and understand the differences and benefits of each fish oil supplement.
Types of Fish Oil Extraction Methods: Tg vs Ee
Triglyceride (TG)
Triglycerides are a particular structure of fat in which three fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA are chemically bound to a backbone of glycerol. This is the form of fatty acids naturally found in fish oil and is also the form of fats most commonly found in the human body. Thus, it is this form of fish oil that is most easily assimilated into the human body. Also, because they are not oxidized as easily as EE oils, TG fish oil has a longer shelf life after opening.
Ethyl Esters (EE)
A certain manufacturing process, known as molecular distillation, is used by some companies to help concentrate the EPA and/or DHA in their fish oil. This process involves replacing the natural glycerol backbone of the TG with ethanol (a form of alcohol). This produces significantly higher EPA and DHA levels in fish oil than those naturally found in fish. The resultant "fish oil concentrate" is no longer an oil, and thus is absorbed differently in the body. This form is also less stable, and more easily oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized oils are no longer beneficial for the body, and can cause damage. Oxidized oils are commonly known as "rancid". This difference will only be seen after opening the fish oil.
Understanding Reconversion: EE to TG
Molecularly distilled fish oil can be reconverted back to a glycerol backbone once the desired EPA and/or DHA concentrations have been achieved. It is a slightly more expensive enzymatic process, but once returned to its natural TG state, the body can once again normally process the fish oil.
Digestion of EE vs TG
In the small intestine, fats are combined with bile from the liver/gallbladder and pancreatic enzymes. The pancreatic enzyme responsible for the digestion of fats is called lipase. Lipase cleaves the fatty acids from their backbone so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Because it is a natural form, TG fish oil is easily cleaved and absorbed. The EE form contains bonds that are far more difficult for lipase to cleave, 50 times more difficult in fact. In studies of absorption comparing these two forms, the TG form was 35 – 50% more bioavailable than the EE form. Interestingly, after long-term supplementation, either form can maintain a steady state of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood.
Final Cautions & Considerations When Shopping For a Fish Oil Supplement
The EE form of fish oil supplements is much cheaper and more easily accessible than the TG form. People with healthy liver and kidney function may be able to supplement with this form and save money, although a higher dosage may be required initially.
People with a history of alcohol abuse or those with insufficient kidney or liver function should avoid EE fish oils. Young children may also be affected by the ethanol (alcohol) content of EE fish oil. The TG form of fish oil is more absorbable and does not have any additional risks associated with it, thus this would be the form preferred for more sensitive individuals.
Excellent information! I take fish oil daily.
Hello Amy,
Thrilled you enjoyed the article, fish oils are a great way to care for your overall health from cognitive to skin!
Stay well.
I really enjoy National Nutrition's article, but love learning more in depth information about supplements like this article. This really is the one place to get all your natural health needs met from knowledge to shopping for the supplements to great service. Thanks NN!
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