Omega-3s & nutritional oils

Longer pregnancies & bigger babies: RCT supports omega-3s birth weight benefits for babies

08-Jan-2019 By Stephen Daniells

Consumption of fish oil omega-3s during the third trimester of pregnancy may prolong gestation and increase birth weights of the newborns, according to a new double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Top brands Designs For Health and Nature’s Farm to share expert insights at first NutraIngredients Omega-3 Summit

08-Jan-2019 By Gary Scattergood

Leading brands Designs For Health, which recently expanded to Australia, and Asian outfit Nature’s Farm, which also boast retail operations, will share exclusive market and consumer insights at the first NutraIngredients Omega-3 Summit in Singapore next...

What will be big in 2019? NutraIngredients predicts top industry drivers

21-Dec-2018 By Nathan Gray, Nikki Cutler & Will Chu

As we boldly begin our march into 2019, it’s time for the NutraIngredients editors to get out our crystal balls and predict the hottest trends in the European health and wellness space for the year ahead. What’s in store for 2019?

New algae player debuts with highly refined EPA ingredient

19-Dec-2018 By Hank Schultz

Chinese/American company Lyxia has debuted as a new player in the algae omega-3s space with a highly refined EPA ingredient from a photosynthetic strain.

EMA rules omega-3 medicines ‘not effective’ – no longer authorised for heart attack

14-Dec-2018 By Nathan Gray

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has said omega-3 fatty acid medicines are not effective in preventing further heart and blood vessels problems after heart attack – meaning medicines containing DHA and EPA for this purpose will no longer be authorised...

Omega 3’s effect on brain blood flow could battle memory decline in ageing

13-Dec-2018 By Will Chu

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has the potential to enhance neural blood flow possibly preventing memory decline caused by restricted blood flow or brain cell inflammation.

Guest article

EPA and DHA Omega-3s: Reflections on 2018

12-Dec-2018 By Ellen Schutt, Executive Director, GOED (Global Organization for EPA & DHA Omega-3)

New science, developments in contaminant regulations, a new conversation around micro- and nanoplastics, and challenges on the regulatory front: In this guest article, Ellen Schutt, Executive Director of GOED, looks back on a very busy 2018 in the omega-3...

Aker's Johansen: New study, process efficiencies, new harvesting vessel will combine to drive krill category higher

10-Dec-2018 By Hank Schultz

The outlook for krill oil ingredients is looking more robust than ever, according to the world’s largest harvester for the raw material.

Closing the DHA data gap: DSM striving to secure information to drive policy recommendations

04-Dec-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Assessment of nutritional status and solutions to micronutrient deficiencies must be in sync if maternal and infant health is to improve, says Peter van Dael, DSM's Senior VP of Nutrition Science and Advocacy.

Plant-based omega-3: Groundbreaking metabolic engineering programme for canola in the spotlight at first NutraIngredients summit

04-Dec-2018 By Gary Scattergood

A project that used gene technology to create canola oil that yields quantities of long-chain omega-3 previously only available in fish will be showcased at the first NutraIngredients Omega-3 Summit in Singapore.

New understanding of physiology underpins protocols for supporting soldiers with nutrition, expert says

30-Nov-2018 By Hank Schultz

The importance of adequate nutrition and targeted supplementation for war fighters is a rapidly evolving field, according to an expert who has counseled sailors on the subject.

Omega-3 innovation: KD Pharma launches DPA and PRM ingredients

29-Nov-2018 By Stephen Daniells

EPA and DHA: These two fatty acids have been the focus of omega-3 research for a long time, but emerging data is shining the spotlight on DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) and the fascinating world of the pre-resolving mediators (PRMs).

Fish oil-protein supplementation may boost rugby performance & recovery: Study

23-Nov-2018 By Will Chu

Fish oil combined with protein may reduce lower body muscle soreness, reduce fatigue and maintain lower-body power over a longer period, a sports exercise study concludes.

A tax on health? Irish government threaten to tax supplements…again

22-Nov-2018 By Will Chu

Proposed plans could see food supplements such as probiotics and Omega 3 fatty acids subject to a VAT rate of up to 23% in moves set out by the Irish government in time for January next year.

Consumers on the hunt for youth-boosting food and drink, says Mintel

21-Nov-2018 By Nikki Cutler

Food, drink and supplement innovators should take tips from the beauty industry as consumers want to fill-up on products that will help them fight the ageing process, says Mintel.

Notes from SupplySide West 2018

Omega-3 trade group GOED ramps up healthcare practitioner outreach to better reach consumers

16-Nov-2018 By Adi Menayang

The fish oil industry’s leading trade group is tapping into the healthcare practitioner community as its bridge to consumers.

Recent large-scale omega-3s trials are harbingers of better days for omega-3s research, experts say

16-Nov-2018 By Hank Schultz

Despite the equivocal reports in the mainstream media of the recently released omega-3s trials, the huge statistical power of the studies means the promising secondary endpoints can be trusted, experts say.

Omega-3 consumption and depression: ‘Conclusive’ evidence to be presented at first NutraIngredients omega-3 summit

14-Nov-2018 By Gary Scattergood

The results of a ‘world first study’, showing how the consumption of fish and omega-3 helps alleviate depression will be revealed at the first NutraIngredients-Asia Omeag-3 Summit in Singapore in February.

ADM expands presence in algal DHA space with launch of powder form

13-Nov-2018 By Adi Menayang

Archer Daniels Midland Company, or ADM, launched a new powder format for its Onavita DHA algal oil.

VITAL and REDUCE-IT: Positive results and presentations around omega-3 for heart health

12-Nov-2018 By Stephen Daniells

New data from a couple of high profile and hotly anticipated trials indicate that omega-3 consumption may indeed significantly benefit a number of heart health outcomes. But the mainstream media coverage (and therefore messaging to consumers) has been...

Assessing EU kids' nutrient intakes ‘constrained by lack of data’

08-Nov-2018 By Will Chu

Research gaps are undermining the understanding of children's nutrient intakes, leading to the inadequate design and monitoring of future nutritional policies in Europe.

Krill oil benefits point to omega-3 oils as effective in CVD risk

07-Nov-2018 By Will Chu

Krill-derived omega-3 fatty acids appear to reduce fasting levels of blood glucose, a Rimfrost-funded study finds, as researchers point to its supplementation as an effective approach in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Fatty liver addressed by BASF’s high-conc omega-3 blend set for 2019 EU debut

01-Nov-2018 By Will Chu

A BASF-led study has pointed towards the use of high-concentration omega-3 in managing the consequences of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that affects roughly one in five Europeans.

GOED advisory seeks to snuff out overestimation of EPA, DHA content in oils

26-Oct-2018 By Hank Schultz

GOED has clarified what method should be used by member companies to calculate the EPA and DHA content of their products to avoid confusion for consumers.

Delegate registration now open for the first NutraIngredients Omega-3 Summit in Singapore

17-Oct-2018 By Gary Scattergood

Delegate registraion is now open for the first NutraIngredientsOmega-3 summit, which takes place in February 2019 in Singapore.

Stepan adds to MCT/keto trend with new product launch

16-Oct-2018 By Hank Schultz

Despite the cooling fortunes of coconut as a healthful culinary oil, the prospects for its medium chain triglyceride derivative have never been brighter. Stepan has added to its MCT line, boosting a trend of product development in this area.

Trend Tracker: APAC's latest omega-3, functional food and nutricosmetics consumer developments assessed

12-Oct-2018 By Gary Scattergood

In our latest monthly Trend Tracker round-up, we assess the latest consumer and market developments for the region's omega-3, functional food and nutricosmetics sectors.

Evonik gains EU marketing approval for high-concentration omega 3 powder

04-Oct-2018 By Will Chu

Evonik has received the go-ahead from European authorities to market its high-concentration omega-3 lysine powder complex AvailOm in the European Union, the company confirmed.

Introducing the NutraIngredients Omega-3 Summit: GOED-backed event to take place in Singapore

03-Oct-2018 By Gary Scattergood

NutraIngredients, backed by trade association Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), is to hold its inaugural Omega-3 summit in February 2019 in Singapore, with a host of top speakers already on board.

Review identifies potential modes of action for omega-3s and anxiety

03-Oct-2018 By Hank Schultz

A review conducted by researchers in New York uncovered six potential modes of action for how omega-3s might alleviate symptoms of anxiety. But the researchers found lots of nits to pick with the research, too, and made recommendations for future studies...

Omega-3 and vitamin B12 may improve autistic behaviours, Saudi study finds

25-Sep-2018 By Cheryl Tay

The consumption of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids — either in combination or independently — may be able to alleviate autistic behaviours, according to a study by Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University.

First-of-its-kind trial in India to test maternal DHA supplementation's effect on offspring's neurodevelopment

13-Sep-2018 By Cheryl Tay

An ongoing multi-country study led by the Public Health Foundation of India is trying to determine if maternal DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation may have beneficial effects on neurodevelopment in the offspring during its first 1,000 days of life.

SPORTS NUTRITION CONGRESS 2018 PREVIEW

Meet the Trailblazers: Hiddit’s focus extends to a personalised approach for triathletes

10-Sep-2018 By Will Chu

How I did it—or ‘Hiddit’—is the Belgian startup that counts double Ironman world champion Luc Van Lierde on board a venture that has a triathlete’s nutritional needs in mind, both in formulation and ease of use.

Nutrition may influence brain health more so in women than men, study suggests

31-Aug-2018 By Will Chu

Women may need a more nutrient-rich diet to support a positive emotional well-being, US researchers conclude, pointing to polyphenols, omega-3 oils and folate as being particularly beneficial.

Pharmacokinetics ought to form basis of evaluating bioavailability claims, expert says

29-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

Claims of greater bioavailability in the nutraceutical realm are often misapplied or miss the point, according to Nils Hoem, PhD.

Marine oil supplement fails to produce beneficial results in non-asthmatic elite runners: RCT

29-Aug-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Supplementation with a marine oil lipid extract derived from New Zealand green-lipped mussels does not benefit resting pulmonary or muscle function in non-asthmatic elite runners, according to a recent population study.

Omega-3s fail to prevent heart events in trial on diabetics; experts question baseline levels, dosing

28-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

Results from a long term trial in diabetes patients showed that omega-3s did not prevent heart attacks or strokes. Experts within the industry raised questions about how the results were reported, the baseline levels of the study population as well as...

Aker seeks better understanding of krill oil’s potential in lupus research partnership

27-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

Aker BioMarine has entered into a partnership with the Lupus Research Alliance that will potentially help sufferers of the disorder, as well as help Aker better understand the mechanisms of action of krill oil.

Rimfrost succeeds in having two Aker krill patents thrown out; Aker vows war will continue

24-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

The ongoing patent struggle in the krill oil sphere has taken another turn with a victory for Rimfrost in its contest with fellow Norwegian competitor Aker BioMarine.

Clinical Nutrition Focus

RCT data backs omega-3 enteral formulation for gastric bypass

23-Aug-2018 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is linked to more pre-operative weight loss and better post-operative outcomes in gastric bypass patients, according to a new clinical trial.

SPECIAL EDITION: OMEGA-3

Omega-enriched shake sets Kickstarter record and boosts keto interest

23-Aug-2018 By Will Chu

Start-up firm Sated has revealed its new range of Omega oil-infused, ketogenic replacement shakes have set a new one-day funding record on Kickstarter in the first 24 hours, doubling the prior one-day record.

Higher omega-3s status linked to less depression in population with heart failure

22-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

A recent pilot study has linked a higher Omega 3 Index with lessened symptoms of depression in a cohort of subjects suffering from chronic heart failure.

CoreFX talks future of omega-3s and exploring alternative sources of fatty acids

22-Aug-2018 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The growth of the omega-3s sector has slowed in recent years, partly due to consumers growing tired of the typical fish oil gel capsule, which is why companies such as CoreFX Specialty Ingredients are developing a host of plant-based fatty acid solutions...

Study confirms emulsification boosts EPA and DHA uptake

21-Aug-2018 By Hank Schultz

A recent study conducted by researchers in the UK concluded that an emulsified cod liver oil boosted the uptake of EPA and DHA. Experts are divided about how the results might affect the marketplace.

Unreported supplements: Study warns on effect of patients under reporting in lab tests

20-Aug-2018 By Will Chu

Patients are often not willing to disclose the use of dietary supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to doctors or laboratory staff, often resulting in inaccurate lab test results, a research paper warns.

French study links omega-3 status to physical performance in older adults

20-Aug-2018 By Nathan Gray

Increased omega-3 status may be linked to better physical performance in older adults, according to new research.

DSM, Salutivia deal looks beyond Brexit to address emerging nutritional trends

17-Aug-2018 By Will Chu

DSM has appointed Salutivia as UK distributor for its range of vitamins, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids in a deal that plays to Salutivia’s strengths in the supplement and food ingredient markets.

Clinical Nutrition Focus

BASF-backed study links dietary omega-3 intake and NAFLD management

17-Aug-2018 By Will Chu

Eating more long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) could help control non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a meta-analysis of existing data.

Low DHA and EPA a ‘strong risk factor’ for preterm birth: Danish data

07-Aug-2018 By Nathan Gray

Pregnant women with low plasma levels of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in their first and second trimesters may be at a significantly higher risk of early preterm birth, new research suggests.

Prenatal omega-3 intake and offspring allergies: Longer-term follow-ups needed after trial shows limited impact

06-Aug-2018 By Cheryl Tay

Prenatal omega-3 supplementation has been found ineffective on the risk and progression of allergies in young children, say researchers in Australia.