Omega-3s & nutritional oils

Frutarom jumps into the omega-3 sea

25-Mar-2014

The health division of Swiss ingredients player Frutarom has launched omega-3s for the first time with the company noting their potential in heart, brain and eye health along with inflammation and general well-being.

Vegans respond ‘robustly’ to algal-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplement

24-Mar-2014 By Stephen Daniells

The omega-3 index of vegans is low, but no lower than the levels measured in omnivores, says a new study, which also supports the efficacy of an algal-derived omega-3 supplement to boost EPA and DHA levels.

Symposium to delve into science behind DPA, an under-the-radar omega-3

24-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

In what is billed as a first in nutrition research, a symposium scheduled for early July in Sweden will bring together lipids researchers specifically to look at the science behind a little-talked-about omega-3 fatty acid: docosapentaenoic acid or DPA.

Canadian group floats plan for algal omega-3s from dispersed bioreactors harvesting agricultural waste

21-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

Algae promoters usually talk big: Big ponds, banks of bioreactors, chemical process efficiencies and economies of scale.  A group in Canada is looking at the other end of the spectrum, harnessing a small scale bioreactor technology and making it simple...

Huge demand for omega-3 liquid products driving delivery innovations: Virun CEO

20-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Consumers like the delivery of omega-3 fatty acids in a liquid, and many innovative products are already on shelves, but what technology is being used, what are the challenges, and where are the next opportunities coming from?

Special edition: Innovations in Delivery Systems

NanoSphere Health CSO: ‘We’re revolutionizing the way of delivering nutrients’

20-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Disruptive technologies to produce natural nano-sized nutraceuticals could ‘revolutionize’ how dietary supplements deliver their benefits, with smaller most definitely better for enhancing bioavailability and bio-efficacy, says the CSO of NanoSphere Health...

Purified fish oil may help babies with unregulated insulin secretion disorder

19-Mar-2014 By Lynda Searby

Newborn babies who suffer from a rare and potentially lethal disease that causes their bodies to make too much insulin may benefit from supplementation with purified fish oil, according to new research.

Further evidence questions fat intake guidelines and heart disease links

19-Mar-2014 By Nathan Gray

A review of more than 72 clinical studies has raised further questions over current guidelines relating to fat intake - which generally restrict the consumption of saturated fats and encourage consumption of polyunsaturated fats to prevent heart disease.

Omega-3 sustainability drive steps up a gear

18-Mar-2014 By Lynda Searby

Functional food and supplement producer Bio-Life SPRL claims to have become the first company in Belgium and France to offer fish oil derived omega-3 supplements with sustainability certification, as the drive to have origins audited by Friend of the...

Healthy midlife diet may prevent dementia later

18-Mar-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Making healthy dietary choices in midlife could lower the risk of dementia in later years by almost 90%, according to new research.

Customer relationships are crucial to developing personalised nutrition offerings

17-Mar-2014 By Lynda Searby

If Personalised Nutritional Offerings (PNOs) are to gain a commercial foothold in the marketplace, lessons need to be learned and providers will have to change the way they approach customer relationships, say researchers.

Is current evidence sufficient to support recommendations for higher omega-3 intakes?

17-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Higher blood levels of the omega-3s EPA and DHA are associated with lower coronary risks, but the overall evidence is insufficient to encourage high consumption of omega-3s, says a new meta-analysis.

Did the AREDS2 study set the cut-off for benefits too high?

AREDS2 data finds omega-3s ineffective for heart health, but subgroup analysis suggests big benefits for healthy individuals

17-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily dietary supplements of omega-3s do not affect cardiovascular disease risk in elderly patients with the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, says a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Metabolites of EPA, DHA ripe area for innovation, expert says

17-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

Innovation in omega-3s has come in many forms.  New delivery modes, new raw material sources, and new chemical forms.  But through it all, the story has always been about  EPA and DHA as whole molecules. That might be about to change.

Something smells fishy: Why the media silence over the blood pressure benefits of omega-3s?

14-Mar-2014 By Stephen Daniells

It was big news… and positive: A new meta-analysis of 70 randomized clinical trials – the gold standard – showed that omega-3s from supplements and fortified foods could significantly improve blood pressure. So why is the mainstream media silent over...

FMC to split into two publicly traded companies

12-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

FMC Corporation, owner of omega 3 fish oils leader EPAX, will split into two publically traded companies, the corporation announced recently.  The plan is to split the agricultural and nutrition segments off from the company’s industrial minerals divisions.

Healthy eating may reduce the risk of preterm delivery: Population data

11-Mar-2014 By Nathan Gray

A healthy diet packed with fruit, vegetables, and omega-3 rich fish could help to reduce the risk of pre-term babies, according to new research.

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A global look at supplements on the rise

10-Mar-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The dietary supplements market is set to grow by 4% annually running up to 2018, with Singapore, Hong Kong and Norway being the top spenders by household consumption, according to Euromonitor International.

‘Significant clinical impact’: Meta-analysis finds omega-3s equal lifestyle changes for blood pressure benefits

07-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Consuming omega-3 supplements or omega-3-rich food may be as effective as reducing sodium or alcohol, or increasing exercise for reducing blood pressure, says a new meta-analysis of 70 randomized controlled trials.

Look to GM plants and algae to meet omega-3 demand, researchers urge

07-Mar-2014 By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Increasing demand for long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA means industry must consider land-based sources including microalgae and genetically modified plants, say researchers.

High consumption of omega-3 fish oils may reduce artery calcification

05-Mar-2014 By Nathan Gray

An intake of omega-3 fatty acids comparable to those of people living in Japan may be linked to protection against artery calcification and heart disease, according to new research.

Echium oil may boost blood omega-3 levels and improve heart health markers: Study

05-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily intake of a supplement containing echium oil may boost blood levels of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, and help reduce cardiovascular risk factors, says a new study from Germany.

Omega-3 supplements may boost neuropsychological measures for kids who need most support

04-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve attention, processing speed, executive function and hand-to-eye coordination in malnourished children, scientists report.

Increased wholegrain and fish intake could boost good cholesterol levels

03-Mar-2014 By Nathan Gray

A high intake of whole grain, bilberries and fatty fish can help to raise levels of ‘good’ HDL-cholesterol particles, according to new RCT data.

Is the omega-3 sector in decline?

27-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Growth in fish oil sales have been described by the CEO of Vitamin Shoppe as ‘softening’, while data from GOED indicates that 12 million users have left the category in the US, so is the omega-3 sector in decline?

Omega-3-rich fish intake during pregnancy may boost birth weight for babies: European data

25-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Higher intakes of fish during pregnancy may lead to infants with a higher birth weight, as well as reducing the risk of pre-term births, according to data from 19 European birth cohort studies.

BASF nutrition and health jumps 7% to crack €2bn in 2013

25-Feb-2014 By Shane Starling

‘Nutrition and Health’ was the best performing section within BASF’s ‘Performance Products’ division in 2013, posting a 7% gain on 2012 to push through €2bn in sales for the year.

Mud in your eye: EFSA rejects vision and stool claims

21-Feb-2014 By Shane STARLING

Replacing vegetable oils with an esterified vegetable oil in infant formulas will not soften infant stools, and a choline form will not boost vision, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found.

Caviar emptor: Herring omega-3 gains UK debut

18-Feb-2014 By Shane Starling

Major natural foods retailer Whole Foods Market is launching a herring caviar-based, phospholipid-imbued omega-3 supplement at its UK stores from March 1.

Euromonitor: Strong momentum to propel global omega-3 sales

18-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

The omega-3 market continues to grow and appears to have unstoppable momentum worldwide, according to expert Diana Cowland, who keeps tabs on the sector for Euromonitor International.

Lonza and DSM settle omega-3 patent dispute

18-Feb-2014

Ingredients giants DSM and Lonza have settled a patent dispute over production of algal-sourced omega-3 oils (DHA) that lasted for almost ten years.

Omega-3 backed for Alzheimer’s disease potential

18-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids could help to prevent and even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by stimulating newly identified ‘resolution pathways’, according to research outlining an ‘entirely new’ approach to the condition.

Glycolipids, salts, and wax esters: GOED’s Ismail outlines next generation omega-3 forms to watch

17-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

The omega-3 world is about to move beyond the scope of triglyceride, ethyl ester, and phospholipid forms, says the executive director of GOED, with third generation omega-3 forms to watch including glycolipids and omega-3 salts.

Dr Alex Richardson Q&A: Nutritional Lipids for Mood and Behaviour

14-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

On the back of huge interest and too little time in her presentation and following Q&A session at yesterday's Nutritional Lipids and Oils online event, we put some more of your questions to Dr Alex Richardson.

GOED on new cancer study: ‘Results do not support a change in omega-3 intake’

14-Feb-2014 By Stephen Daniells

A new study that links omega-3 intakes and an increased risk of endometrial cancer changes nothing for current recommendations for omega-3s, says the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED).

Register now for our exclusive free to attend event

Nutritional Lipids and Oils online event: TODAY

12-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Our exclusive online event, offering the latest market information and scientific insights in for the nutritional lipids and oils market takes place today. But it's not too late to register.

Omega-3 and metabolism: DHA may reduce risk of metabolic conditions, study suggests

10-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially in the form of DHA, may be of ‘significant value’ in reducing the risk of metabolic conditions including fatty liver disease, according to new research.

Can EPA-rich supplements help brains work 'less hard' and boost mental performance?

10-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Omega-3 supplements rich in EPA may improve cognitive performance with a reduction in neural activity observed, indicating that the brain worked ‘less hard’, report researchers from Australia.

FMC posts earnings, says UK omega-3s facility nearing full scale production

10-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

FMC Corporation announced a 24% rise in revenues in its fourth quarter of 2013, hitting $1.1 billion. For the full year of 2013, the company hit $3.9 billion in revenues, a 14% rise over the previous year. In its earnings release, FMC gave an update on...

Omega-3 rich diet linked to more developed brain networks: Monkey data

07-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Monkeys that consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids have more developed neural networks than those who do not, according to new research.

EU health claim submissions

DSM applies for DHA omega-3 brain health claim

31-Jan-2014 By Shane Starling

DSM Nutritional Products (DNP) has applied for an article 14 claim linking omega-3 and brain function under the European Union nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR).

EFSA publishes report that finds few benefits for infant formulas and other milks

30-Jan-2014 By Shane STARLING

Infant formulas fortified with nutrients like prebiotics and probiotics and omega-3s do not provide, “a clear benefit as compared to control formula”, says a report published this week by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

IFOS opens certification door to omega-3 suppliers

29-Jan-2014

Croda has become the first omega-3 supplier to win a QC certification from the voluntary International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) which has previously focused on branded products.

Plant-sourced omega-3 science builds but don’t fry fish oil supply, says IFFO

27-Jan-2014 By Shane STARLING

An international marine ingredients group says overfishing is a concern, but one that is being managed, and fish will remain a sustainable and reliable omega-3 source in the long term future.

Aker-Naturex joint venture ramps up production capacity with announcement of new facility in Texas

27-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

Aker BioMarine and its extraction partner Naturex have finalized a deal to build a new krill oil production facility in Texas to augment existing product capacity in Valencia, Spain. The new facility is Aker’s first in North America, currently its most...

GM omega-3? UK could see GM 'fish oil' trial this year

24-Jan-2014 By Nathan Gray

Rothamsted Research has submitted an application to the UK government requesting permission to carry out a field trial for genetically modified plants that are rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 may help preserve brain volume in old age: Study

23-Jan-2014

People with higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may also have larger brain volumes in old age equivalent to preserving one to two years of brain health, according to new research.

DSM profits rise in 2013 despite sluggish nutrition performance

21-Jan-2014 By Shane STARLING

Multiple issues in the omega-3 sector, a ‘saturated’ US food supplements market, a widespread consumer move to private label plus a strengthening euro have all impacted Dutch-Swiss ingredient giant DSM’s nutrition division in 2013, but it still delivered...

Nutraceutical blend may ease dry eye symptoms: Study

20-Jan-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

A combination of omega-3s and antioxidants may significantly reduce dry eye symptoms, including ‘scratchy’ eyes, eye redness, and blurry vision, according to a new study.

Chilean company touts benefits of on-board, water extraction technology for krill oil

16-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

The krill sector, a hotbed of news in recent weeks, could acquire a new production player after a successful test aboard a fishing vessel of a new extraction technique by Tharos Ltd., a Chilean firm that has worked on the technology end of the business...