Trends in Omega-3: Insights from GC Rieber VivoMega

15-Sep-2023 - Last updated on 19-Sep-2023 at 16:03 GMT

GettyImages - Omega-3 supplements / anilakkus

From brain function to heart health, there is escalating consumer demand for both fish and vegan omega-3 alternatives as long as they can assure quality, sustainability, and transparency, according to Ståle Søfting, sales and marketing director at GC Rieber VivoMega.

Over the years, research has uncovered a wide range of health benefits associated with omega-3 supplementation.

These benefits encompass brain and cognitive function, eye health, heart health, bone and joint health, immune support, pre-and-postnatal care, sports nutrition, and even beauty applications.

However many people fail to meet the recommended daily intake of 250 mg, making it important for individuals of all ages to consider increasing their consumption through fatty fish or supplements for optimal brain health.

Søfting notes that demand is continuing to grow, stating: “We see that both supply and demand are growing for fish and vegan alternatives.”

Consumer Trends

Søfting notes: “The consumer will continue to remain active in supporting companies that are open and transparent about their sourcing and sustainability initiatives.

“Because omega-3s are one of the most widely used dietary supplements, we also believe consumers will continue to be open to alternative sources of omega-3s as long as they provide an efficacious dosage and follow the same transparency and eco-friendly initiatives,” he adds.

According to Søfting, consumer interest in vegan omega-3 supplements continues to grow, fuelled by a desire for transparency and sustainability in sourcing.

GC Rieber VivoMega's latest product range launched earlier this year, is the VivoMega Algae Oils, which present an alternative vegan source of DHA omega-3.

The plant-based, high-concentration microalgae oil caters to the changing preferences of consumers.

Søfting adds: “We are also working on a lower concentration to increase flexibility for our customers and partners.”

Søfting explains that they test to exceed international standards such as the GOED monograph, focused on oxidative quality, environmental contaminants, and the measurement of EPA and DHA, as well as well as exceeding the requirements for the 5-Star IFOS Certification IFOS certification,proving quality, safety, and purity standards.

He adds: “Both our vegan and marine-derived concentrates have industry-leading total oxidation value (TOTOX) parameters, and we put an extreme focus on raw material utilisation, leaving little to no waste.”

Vegan Omega-3 Concentrates

The VivoMega Algae Oils provide a source of Omega-3 DHA for individuals who prefer non-animal sources, with concentrations of 700 mg/g and 400 mg/g of DHA, containing a minimum of 90% triglycerides.

The product is made with a proprietary processing technology ‘SuperLight’, which aims to produce consistency and stability while maintaining a pleasing sensory profile.

The oil has low exposure to heat oxygen and is therefore protected from oxidation, Søfting explains.

Research on Healthy Ageing

Søfting explains that GC Rieber VivoMega focuses on the impact on healthy ageing, from prenatal development to senior years.

Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for brain function, cognitive development, and inflammation regulation, with DHA being a crucial component of the brain and nervous system.

DHA is also found in high concentrations in the retina, supporting visual function by maintaining photoreceptor membrane fluidity and retinal integrity.

Additionally, consuming fish or fish oil can significantly reduce multiple risk factors for heart disease, including lowering triglyceride levels, blood pressure, plaque buildup, and inflammation.

Of note, a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicated that omega-3 fatty acids hold promise for maintaining lung health.

Additionally, other research has shown the positive impact of omega-3s, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), on age-related hearing loss.

GC Rieber VivoMega

Established in 1879, GC Rieber started their journey in the Omega-3 industry when they started trading in cod liver oil in 1900. GC Rieber began fish oil production by acquiring Knarrevik fish oil factory in 1920, which was further expanded in 1950 through the purchase of a cod liver plant in Tromsø.

In 1993, GC Rieber became the majority stockholder at Alnes Marine Oils, which is today known as GC Rieber VivoMega.

In 2010, GC Rieber VivoMega established a high-concentrate production facility and has since become a leading producer of Omega-3 concentrates from fish oil, expanding the facility five times to meet increasing demand.