The collaboration will bring the Spanish biotech company’s Tridocosahexaenoína-AOX DHA molecule to market in the form of UbiOmega.
It is available in two forms, one from sustainably certified fish stocks and the second an algal-sourced DHA, giving brands the flexibility to choose the best fit for their products, Nathan Gray, technical marketing manager at Vita Actives told NutraIngredients.
Exclusive strategic partnership
The partnership will give full control to Vita Actives for the supply of Tridocosahexaenoína-AOX DHA in the B2B market. Brudy will continue to sell via its own brand, but this partnership opens up access to new brands via Vita Actives.
“Partnerships like these make sense when all parties recognize the science and market demand,” noted Gray.
“That’s not to say this is common, but we believe to have built a special partnership based on common beliefs and ambition.”
As Grey noted, brands and suppliers increasingly recognize the need for differentiation, especially in delivering high-quality, clinically validated products. Therefore, this collaboration enables both to stand out by providing unique offerings.
DHA for targeted health benefits
Tridocosahexaenoína-AOX has been commercially available since 2010 and is specifically designed for enhanced bioavailability to provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It has been the subject of approximately 40 clinical trials, demonstrating support for eye health, maternal and infant health, and sports nutrition.
“There’s strong and sustained interest in DHA for its benefits in specific health areas like vision, maternal health, cognitive function, and sports recovery – and growing interest and clinical evidence in areas like fertility too,” said Gray.
“That really helps brands connect with consumers looking for products that make a tangible impact.”
Gray explained that consumers are increasingly attracted to products that offer targeted health benefits beyond basic nutrition, and while the clinical evidence for omega-3s is robust, the specific research supporting Brudy’s unique DHA molecule aligns well with this trend.
2024 omega-3 market insights
The omega-3 market has experienced fluctuations in recent years, driven by supply chain challenges and slower growth in some areas, Gray explained.
However, demand for high-quality, research-backed products remains strong, with omega-3s continuing to play a major role in the nutrition industry.
The 2024 report from the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) indicated that the omega-3 market is experiencing modest growth despite significant supply challenges. In 2023, global omega-3 volumes reached 124,480 metric tons, a 1.4% increase from the previous year, primarily driven by the dietary supplements sector, which accounts for over half of total consumption.
“Consumers and brands alike are looking for benefits-based solutions, especially in areas like brain health, maternal support, and eye health, where DHA’s role is really well supported,” he said.
Recent research found that global interest in omega-3 is on the rise, but that intake remains low. The research team from Canada, Germany, Spain, and the U.S. assessed blood samples from 2000 to 2023, updating the findings from a 2016 study that highlighted significant disparities in omega-3 levels (O3I) across nations.
The researchers recommended that to elevate O3I from 4% to 8%, an additional daily intake of approximately 1.4 grams of EPA and DHA is necessary, achievable through increased oily fish consumption or omega-3 supplementation.