Omega-3s & nutritional oils

EU project aims to improve extraction and cultivation of microalgae

31-Jul-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

A new €5m European project aims to make it cheaper and easier to enrich food, nutraceuticals and cosmetics with microalgae.

Low omega-3 levels linked to prenatal depression: Taiwan study

31-Jul-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Omega-3 deficiency and heightened inflammation are associated with prenatal depression (PND), with the former resulting in longer depressive episodes, according to a recent Taiwanese study.

Molecular mechanisms: Could omega-3 metabolite offer hope in battle against age-related diseases?

28-Jul-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

A signalling molecule produced by the the omega-3 fatty acid DHA could be used to target age-related conditions and diseases including stroke and Alzheimer’s, new research suggests.

GM plant-derived omega-3 successfully cultivated on commercial scale

28-Jul-2017 By Will Chu

Commercial production of omega-3 supplements sourced from genetically modified plants is the subject of research that could ease the pressure on traditional marine-derived supplies of fish oils.

Fish oil and nutraceuticals off the menu in NHS cost-cutting exercise

24-Jul-2017 By Will Chu

Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and antioxidant supplements along with homeopathy and herbal treatments will be scrapped under NHS England plans to abandon 'ineffective' and 'low value' treatments.

Research boost? FoodBook24 web tool could aid nutrition surveillance in Europe

20-Jul-2017 By David Anderson

A new web-based dietary tool has been developed by nutrition experts, who believe it could be the future of dietary surveillance for researchers across Europe.

Science Short

Cannabinoids may be responsible for omega-3 anti-inflammatory effect: Study

20-Jul-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids may be due to the action of endocannabinoids derived from them, suggests a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Bioavailability boost: Study backs frankincense to ease IBS symptoms

13-Jul-2017 By Will Chu

A new proprietary method to deliver the Indian botanical extract Boswellia, could boost bioavailability and help manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finds a study by Italian botanical player Indena.

Prevention not a cure? Omega-3 in heart disease

05-Jul-2017 By David Anderson

Study reaffirms benefits of long-chain omega-3 for reducing cardiovascular risk factors, but not in its management.

More fruit and fish and less soda: A recipe for better colorectal health?

05-Jul-2017 By Nathan Gray

Load up on fish and fruit, and cut back on soft drinks for better colorectal health, finds ‘Med diet’ study.

MCTs plus vitamin D show cognitive benefits for the elderly: RCT

05-Jul-2017 By Stephen Daniells

A combination supplement containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), L-leucine-rich amino acids, and vitamin D3 may boost cognitive function in frail elderly people, says a new study.

Asia's 'huge potential' could create an extra $20bn of omega-3 sales

04-Jul-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Asia will fuel the growth of the omega-3 sector in the coming years, with the executive director of trade organisation GOED predicting the region could contribute an additional $20bn in sales.

Eating more polyunsaturated fats linked to less inflammation in patients with existing heart disease

30-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Cardiovascular patients with low polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake suffer from higher inflammation levels, according to a recent study in Nutrition.

Fatty acid enzyme ratio may help determine bowel cancer survival

29-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

A higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 enzymes is linked to better survival rate in bowel cancer according to a recent study published in the British Journal of Cancer. 

Russian billionaire buys Holland & Barrett for healthy €2.0bn

27-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

US private equity firm Carlyle sells Europe’s largest health and wellness retailer to investment fund controlled by Mikhail Fridman

What’s new for the European market of sports nutrition?

27-Jun-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

The sports and health nutrition industry is booming in Western Europe as more consumers look for a healthy lifestyle, according to market intelligence agencies.

FMC to sell omega-3 business to Pelagia

27-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The Epax omega-3 business is being sold by FMC Corporation to Pelagia AS. 

'Insufficient evidence' of a link between omega-3’s vascular and cognitive benefits

27-Jun-2017 By Cheryl Tay

There is insufficient evidence that the cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are directly linked to its separate ability to help lower blood pressure, according to a review from the University of Newcastle in Australia.

Industry calls for EU sport food clarification to shore up safety concerns

26-Jun-2017 By Will Chu

A quartet of sports food industry associations are calling for clearer product labelling and clarification for the safe use of sport and nutrition products within the European Union.

French study links 'Med diet' pattern to lower risk of frailty

23-Jun-2017 By David Anderson

Consumption of a Mediterranean style diet is rising in Europe and the US because they 'easy to follow', says author of paper linking Med diet with reduced frailty.

New oil combining algal DHA and organic selenium introduced by Metabolium

22-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Metabolium set sights on human and animal nutrition market with novel DHA-selenium oil from algal source.

Science Short

Omega-3 deficient teenagers may become anxious adults

21-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Low omega-3 in adolescent mice leads to behavioural problems in adulthood, finds new study in The Journal of Neuroscience.

Aker BioMarine named as Norway’s ‘most innovative business’

16-Jun-2017 By Nathan Gray

Krill player Aker BioMarine has been named as Norway’s most innovative company by leading magazine Innovasjonsmagasinet, the company said.

Industry innovation can help target products to the elderly

16-Jun-2017 By David Anderson

The industry can do more to target fashionable high protein foods and drinks to the over 65s market, while rest of Europe should follow Norway with nutrition-filled NPD for the elderly, say researchers.

Omega-3 supplement restrictions in Indonesia reversed after pressure from trade associations

13-Jun-2017 By Cheryl Tay

Badan Pom (BPOM), The National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Indonesia, has revoked tough restrictions issued at the end of last year for omega-3 supplements.

Improved omega-3 to omega-6 status during pregnancy may boost fetal health: Study

12-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Improving a mother-to-be’s ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s may boost birth weight of the infant and increase the duration of pregnancy, says a new study.

Omega-3 may shorten hospital stay in heart surgery patients

08-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Supplementing open-heart surgery patients with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could reduce time spent in hospital and lower risk of complications.

Nutritional Armor: US Army explores boosting omega-3 levels with food and supplements

08-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Replacing omega-6 foods and ingredients on US military garrison menus with products with increased omega-3 contents may boost the omega-3 profile of soldiers, says a new study exploring the practicality of such an approach.

Could chia oil help make margarine healthier?

06-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Fortifying margarine with chia oil dramatically improves omega-3 content and boosts antioxidant properties, without harming flavour or texture.

AAK targets seniors with push into special nutrition

02-Jun-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Swedish ingredients supplier AAK has confirmed first delivery of its senior nutrition product Akovita as the firm continues a push into special nutrition.

Fish oils & bleeding risk: Extensive review supports safety of supplements

01-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Concerns that fish oil supplements may increase the risk of bleeding – a potential concern for people undergoing surgery – are unfounded, according to a systematic review the scientific literature.

Bones of contention: Joint-up thinking key to market gains

31-May-2017 By Will Chu

Post-menopausal women, senior citizens both male and female. Those in the twilight of life have traditionally made up the bulk of the market for bone and joint supplements and ingredients.

Omega-3 could aid Alzheimer's prevention: Study

23-May-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

People with high omega-3 intakes have an increased blood flow in the brain, according to research suggesting a link between omega-3 and Alzheimer’s disease.

Study links SDA, ALA to cognitive support, health of region in cerebral cortex

22-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

An intriguing study has linked three long chain fatty acids, including ALA and SDA, to the health of a structure in the brain and the effect on ‘fluid intelligence’ in older subjects.

VITAFOODS 2017

Fun and tasty gummy bears are not just for kids, say Anlit

22-May-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

Curcumin and omega-3 filled gummy bears and chews were on offer from Israeli children's supplement specialists, Anlit, at Vitafoods this year.

VITAFOODS 2017

Responsible fishing: Sustainably sourcing the marine’s treasure trove

19-May-2017 By Will Chu

A growing demand for fully traceable sea-based products has placed the spotlight on the marine supply chain, encouraging retailers and manufacturers to further disclose their sourcing methods.

NAXA head launches five new single-ingredient trade associations

18-May-2017 By Hank Schultz

The principal of a consulting firm that is the motivating force behind two single-ingredient trade organizations has launched an ‘incubator’ program that debuts with the formation of five new trade groups targeting categories such as ashwagandha, chondroitin,...

VITAFOODS 2017

Indulgence meets functionality: Glanbia Nutritionals introduces range of snacks

17-May-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

Caramel bars, chocolate shakes and popping candy were among the indulgent supplement delivery forms showcased by Glanbia Nutritionals at last week’s Vitafoods.

Recent omega-3 studies are ‘leap forward’ from population information to RCTs

16-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids both drive anti-inflammatory gene expression, while DHA is better at lowering triglycerides and decreasing inflammatory markers, according to recent studies that are said to be a “leap forward” in our understanding.

Parkinson’s disease and diet: Nutritional intervention reveals 'clear therapeutic benefits'

16-May-2017 By Gary Scattergood

A new study has demonstrated how dietary interventions with omega-3, prebiotics and other nutrients can help improve motor functions and cognition after the onset of Parkinson's disease in mice.

Open letter demands EU-wide nutrient profiles for nutrition and health claims

15-May-2017 By Nathan Gray

An open letter penned by three leading health and consumer organisations - together with five food companies - calls for the ‘urgent adoption’ of nutrient profiles in the context of the EU health claims framework.

Horsemeat close to becoming staple Spanish food, study claims

11-May-2017 By David Anderson

Horsemeat close to becoming part of the national Spanish diet, says author of report showing link between environment where horses bred and omega-3 levels.

Droplet size and coatings key to infant milk nutrition response: Danone study

10-May-2017 By David Anderson

Altering the droplet size and coating of fats used in infant milk could modify postprandial responses in men, according to new research deemed 'very important' by the authors.

Study sheds 'new light' on role of omega-3 in type 1 diabetes protection

10-May-2017 By David Anderson

“New light” has been shed on the role of fatty acids and milk feeding in helping protect against type 1 diabetes and further testing could help prove that nutritional intervention can help prevent a disease which impacts millions across the world.

Omega-3 and perinatal depression: Nutritional strategies can help combat “under effective” treatment

10-May-2017 By Gary Scattergood

The crucial role of omega-3 in helping to tackle pre and post-natal depression has been underlined by a new meta-analysis, which also found such cases of depression were associated with a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio.

Analysis: Can EFSA ever cut ties with industry?

04-May-2017 By David Burrows

The consultation for a new policy on independence at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) draws to a close this week and campaigners have told FoodNavigator that the final document won’t be worth the paper it’s written on

New opportunities: Rimfrost plans new vessel as krill demand increases

03-May-2017 By Nathan Gray

Norwegian krill player Rimfrost says new opportunities and an increased demand are driving plans for a new higher capacity harvest vessel.

Most NZ fish oil supplements meet label claims, oxidation levels: GOED analysis

03-May-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Testing of 47 fish oil supplements purchased at retail in New Zealand shows that 91% met EPA/DHA label claims, according to strict GOED standards, while most also met regulatory limits for oxidation.

Omega-3 and cancer recovery: How supplementation helps reduce hospital stays after operations

03-May-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Omega-3 supplementation boosts immunity and helps reduce inflammation among gastrointestinal cancer patients after surgery, new meta-analysis reports.

NutriForm Business Days gets ready for its first year

28-Apr-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

Millennials and microbiota probiotics are on the agenda for a two day food supplements event taking place in September.