The new marine fish oil range, sustainably sourced using pelagic fish, contain the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA as highly digestible triglycerides; a form with improved bioavailability when compared to ethyl esters commonly used in other supplements.
Bart Ratus, general manager at Osavi, discusses how the increasing occurrence of dietary restrictions, such as allergies and vegetarianism and veganism, can act as significant barriers in achieving optimum EPA and DHA levels, particularly in the face of modern-day socio-economic issues.
He tells NutraIngredients: “The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids in adequate amounts on its own. Nutrition standards recommend to adults a minimum amount of omega-3 fatty acids at the level of 250 mg a day, preferably in the form of two portions of fish a week, including at least one oily fish.
“The main source of EPA and DHA are fatty fish such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, and seafood, as well as linseed oil, linseed, algae, and walnuts.
“These foods can be expensive for customers to buy if they are to consume the large recommended weekly quantity and it can be difficult to source high-quality fish and seafood in areas which are not close to the sea,” he stresses, highlighting the benefits for supplementation.
Health benefits
“Many people are not aware of the many benefits of consuming omega 3s, and so do not consider it necessary to incorporate them into their diet or supplement them. Many do not know there are two most important active compounds in omega-3s: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and that they need both. These people are falling below the optimum levels as they do not eat enough fish products to reach the optimum levels.”
Ratus highlights that the ‘Daily omega’ supplement contains 1600 mg of DHA and EPA; quantities shown to support the brain and vision whilst supporting immunity, ant-inflammatory action, and cardiovascular health. The ‘Norwegian cod liver oil’ also provides 270mcg of vitamin A, with studies highlighting additional benefits to eyesight and immunity. Both oils can be purchased with additional added vitamin D.
“All Osavi Marine products are natural, GMO-free, containing no preservatives, colourants, or artificial flavours. All marine products are sourced from sustainable fishing (oil with Friend of the Sea certificate) and are highly purified products produced according to the GOED monograph (The Global Organisation for EPA & DHA omega-3s),” he adds.
For the old and young
In addition to findings suggesting support for healthy aging, it has been reported that achieving an optimal omega-3 status during infancy is particularly critical for development. Yet, there can be significant challenges in achieving this optimal status at such an age.
Following this, the company have also released their additional ‘Daily Omega Kids’ and ‘Norwegian Cod Liver Oil Kids’ products to meet these requirements, also available in a range of volumes and a natural lemon flavour.
“Many people are put off by the fishy taste of common omega-3 recommendations such as cod liver oil. Osavi Marine oils are available in a range of flavours and are fresh with a low TOTOX, meaning they taste better than common omega-3 recommendations,” Ratus explains.
He adds how this low Totox index indicates the total degree of lipid oxidation, and thus reflects the high quality of the oils.
With regards to the future for omega-3 recommendations in the fact of the reported deficits, he urges: “The challenge in achieving more widespread omega-3 recommendations lies in creating efficient communication and education campaigns on the benefits of supplementing omega-3 and the different ways you can do this, for example, with oils, capsules, and diet.”