Omega-3s & nutritional oils

Abbott awards $8 million to 7 studies probing cognition-nutrition link

05-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

Abbott Nutrition and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have announced nearly $8 million in funding for nutrition and cognition studies in the second year of their research partnership.

Norwegian family fishing firm seeking omega-3 cod catch

03-Jun-2013 By Shane STARLING

Geir Wilhelm Wold is a Norwegian fisherman, just like his father and his father before him. But when cod catch waste began to bother him Wold bought the Norwegian fish retail brand Vesteraalens, landing a new role as an omega-3 supplier and product maker.

Norwegians debut 'compressed' omega-3 tablets

31-May-2013 By Shane STARLING

A Norwegian start-up says its patent pending compression technology has allowed it to commercialise omega-3 powder that can be formulated in hard tablets rather than capsules.

Green-lipped mussel omega-3s reduce exercise asthma: Study

29-May-2013

New Zealand green-lipped mussel omega-3s improved respiratory function in exercising asthmatics, Indiana University researchers have found.

Neptune's strong sales helped cushion blow of plant explosion

23-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources has released its year end results for fiscal year 2013 which show that strong sales earlier in the year helped cushion the blow dealt to the company’s finances by the explosion and fire that devastated the company’s...

Omega 3 squid oil processor gets Australian approval

21-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Pharma Marine, a Norwegian company sourcing omega 3 oils from squid, has announced approval of its Calamarine product by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Omega-3 sausages: German researchers develop method to tackle oxidation

21-May-2013 By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Fraunhofer researchers in Germany have come up with a new method of adding omega-3 fatty acids to sausages, to allow German consumers to continue eating their favourite foods, but with the main nutritional benefit of fish.

Dispatches from VitaFoods Europe 2013

System of embargoing press releases skews perception of nutrition studies, GOED chief says

21-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Recent research results about the effectiveness of omega 3 fatty acids in the prevention of secondary heart attacks have been generalized to cast doubt on the value of the ingredients' overall effectiveness in cardiovascular health.  This is unfortunate,...

Live from VitaFoods 2013

GMO ingredients can form part of Omega-3 supply picture, GOED chief says

20-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Genetic modification of oil seed crops will form an important part of the future omega-3s supply picture, according to Adam Ismail, executive director of the Global Organization of EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED). 

Dispatches from VitaFoods Europe 2013

GNC relationship helps boost Stepan's Clarinol CLA ingredient for sports applications

17-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

As Stepan Liquid Nutrition looks to expand the use of its Clarinol CLA in sports nutrition products, it’s time to trot out a sports analogy.  Stepan is looking for companies that are willing to step up to the plate.

EU health claims evolution: A submission rethink

13-May-2013 By Nigel Baldwin

Now that the dust has settled on the health claims submission process we should all be very clear on the rules of engagement. Well kind of, says Nigel Baldwin, chief consultant in Intertek’s European office.

Trimming the fat: For a better memory avoid sat fats, meat and dairy and increase omega-3

13-May-2013 By Nathan Gray

Avoiding saturated fat, meat and dairy, whilst increasing the intake of omega-3 may be linked to better preservation of memory functions, say researchers.

Omega-3 may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases

13-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increased intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may counter the alleviate oxidative stress in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), says a new study from Malaysia.

AREDS2

Lutein/zeaxanthin benefits for people with low dietary intakes is an ‘important message’ for the general population: OmniActive COO

08-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The significant benefits of adding lutein and zeaxanthin to the AREDS formula for people with low dietary intakes of the carotenoids is an ‘important message’, especially since a large portion of the population has low levels, says the COO of OmniActive.

AREDS2 data published

Lutein + zeaxanthin may reduce risk of progression to advanced AMD, compared to original AREDS formula

06-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Adding lutein, zeaxanthin and/or omega-3 fatty acids to the AREDS eye health formula may not offer any additional benefits regarding age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk, says the much anticipated AREDS2 data.

EU brain health opportunities in omega-3 and beyond

02-May-2013 By Diana Cowland

Brain health and memory emerged as a winner from the EU Article 13.1 health claims list as the link between nutrition and cognitive performance strengthens in the scientific literature.

Convenience and indulgence the secret to pacesetting confectionery sales

24-Apr-2013 By Oliver Nieburg

Launches from Hershey, Mondelez and Nestlé were among the top 100 bestselling new food and drink items in 2012 having filled consumer needs for convenience, indulgence and functionality, according to Information Resources (IRIs) ‘New Product Pacesetters’...

Omega-3 ethyl esters may make blood vessels more elastic: Study

19-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids in the ethyl ester form may reduce the stiffness in arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese people, says a new study from Australia.

SPECIAL EDITION: RIDING THE HEALTH CLAIMS WAVE

The hunt for that ‘added extra’: Pushing beyond a health claim

18-Apr-2013 By Kacey Culliney

The health-conscious yet frugal consumer is increasingly difficult to convince, even when presented with a plethora of health and nutrition claims on pack. So, just how can manufacturers prompt that purchase?

SPECIAL EDITION: RIDING THE HEALTH CLAIMS WAVE

Omega-3 bread: Health claims, sources and dosage

18-Apr-2013 By Oliver Nieburg

BakeryandSnacks.com gives a snapshot of the omega-3 bread market and unearths the best source of omega-3, the claims bakers can make on products and how much you need to have a positive effect on health.

Omega-3s for clot prevention: EPA for men, DHA for women?

16-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Men and women may benefit from different types of omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce their risk of stroke or heart attacks linked to blood clots, says a new study from Australia.

Omega-3 brain health claim rejected in EU

15-Apr-2013 By Shane STARLING

The EU’s science agency has rejected a health claim submission linking omega-3 form EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and reduced risk of ADHD in kids.

Novotech gets patents on powdered omega-3s technology

11-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Novotech Nutraceuticals has announced that it has been awarded both US and UK patents on its technology to produce powdered omega-3 ingredients.

Neptune's European patent on krill oil revoked

10-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

The European Patent Office has revoked one of the patents held by krill oil supplier Neptune Technologies & Bioressources.  As has become de rigueur in the IP battle among krill companies, the various players disagree about what the action means.

Krill oil may benefit brain health, ease depression symptoms: Animal data

09-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of krill oil may boost learning and working memory in lab animals, and display antidepressant-like effects, according to a new study from Aker BioMarine.

German extraction plant can deliver healthy ingredients

09-Apr-2013 By Rod Addy

Nateco2 has opened what it claims is the world's largest CO2 pressure extraction plant, which it says can extract a wide range of functional ingredients using high pressure CO2 extraction.

Special Edition: Supefruits — Old news, or still super?

Gac fruit relies on carotenoid content as its superfruit calling card

08-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Most superfruits,  packed with polyphenols and bristling with antioxidant power, seek to beat blueberries at their own game. But there is a new player in the market, one that takes a different line of attack.  Gac fruit,  a spiky orb borne by an Asian...

Flaxseed may offer improvements for obese pre-diabetics

04-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Adding flaxseed to the diet may decrease insulin resistance in pre-diabetics and help reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, suggests new data from the US and Canada.

Researchers ask: What’s left to discover about trans fats?

04-Apr-2013 By Caroline Scott-Thomas

Further research on artificial trans fat and heart health is not necessary, claim the authors of a new review – but there is a need for more research in several other areas related to trans fat.

Increasing omega-3 intake could slash mortality risk in older adults: Study

03-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

High consumption of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids might be associated with a lower risk of dying among older adults by as much as 27%, according to new research.

Seaweed is unexploited and brimming with prospects for snacks, says expert

03-Apr-2013 By Kacey Culliney

Seaweed is an extremely nutritious yet unexploited food ingredient that holds huge prospects for snack makers, a research expert says.

Tech company, shrimp processor form joint venture to process omega-3 oils from waste stream

02-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Solutions4CO2 Inc., a Canadian company that develops ways  to process waste gas, water and biomass streams into high value nutraceutical co products, has entered into an agreement to develop a new source of omega-3 oils from the waste streams of cold...

Omega-3 backed to boost immune response, not just battle inflammation: Study

02-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

Long chain omega-3 fatty acids may help to boost the immune system by enhancing the functioning of immune cells, according to new research.

Fish oil supplements show heart rate benefits: Meta-analysis

29-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The heart health benefits of omega-3-rich fish oil may be linked to its ability to favorably influence the variability in heart rates, says a meta-analysis of 15 studies.

Lutein, zeaxanthin plus omega-3 shows benefits for AMD sufferers

27-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A combination of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may boost the pigment in the retina and help people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), says new data from Germany.

Omega-3 supply crisis is not just about Peru: DSM

21-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

DSM says the supply bottleneck in fish-sourced omega-3 that recently forced its own prices up 15%, is not confined to the dominant source – Peruvian anchovies.

Krill player launches sustainability scheme: 'You have to do more than is required'

18-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

Olympic Seafoods-owned krill player, Rimfrost, is trumpeting a new scheme that raises traceability levels in a sector that continues to suffer sustainability attacks despite independent sources calling the fishery one of the world’s best managed.

EFSA to deliver baby and children’s milk opinion

12-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been asked by the EU to produce a report on the nutritional value of follow-on formulas and children’s or toddlers' milks that may inform labeling updates across the block.

Eurozone blues? Not for young Irish ingredients player

12-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

Irish supplier Willows Ingredients has launched a UK-based European division to target smaller continental European markets and says the Eurozone economic problems are no barrier to growth.

South Korean OK for BASF's Scottish Omega-3 plant

12-Mar-2013

South Korean regulators have cleared BASF to produce pharmaceutical grade omega-3 at its facility in Scotland.

EFSA health claims chief to share ‘magic recipe’ insights in Geneva

11-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

The chief of EFSA’s health claims panel will discuss where the agency stands on the topic in 2013, at this year’s Vitafoods conference and expo in Geneva in May.

Herring caviar omega-3 form wins Oz-NZ distribution

04-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

Norwegian herring-sourced omega-3 specialist Arctic Nutrition has inked a distribution deal in Australia and New Zealand with Pathway International.

Absolutely Fabuless? Pictures take Optimel Control outside EU health claim laws

04-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

Pictures are much more powerful than words when it comes to health claim marketing according to Dutch researchers who have completed a study of Dutch dairy Campina’s weight control yoghurt, Optimel Control.

Omega-3 supplements could prevent skin cancer: Study

28-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of omega-3 rich fish oils could help to protect against skin cancer, according to new findings from the UK.

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Should vegans and vegetarians take supplements of EPA and DHA omega-3s?

28-Feb-2013 By Elaine WATSON

If they don’t eat fish, vegans and vegetarians get very little EPA and DHA, the long chain omega-3 fatty acids we are told are key for maintaining cardiovascular and cognitive health. But is this a problem that needs to be fixed? And are algal omega-3...

Maternal omega-3 supplements reduce preterm birth risk: Study

26-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Prenatal supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may help to cut the risk of preterm and low birth weight babies, says new study data.

GOED: Pharma is important for omega-3 but growing slowly

25-Feb-2013 By Shane Starling

Pharmaceutical omega-3 products are important but will grow more slowly than some expect because of the long timeframe for drug approval, says the chief of the Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED).

Fish oil supply crisis forces omega-3 price hike at DSM

22-Feb-2013 By Shane Starling

DSM’s bulging lipid business has bumped fish-sourced omega-3 oil prices 15% as crude fish oil stock prices skyrocket in the face of increasing demands on global fisheries.

Special edition: Omega-3 (Editor's blog)

How high can high-end omega-3 go?

21-Feb-2013 By Shane STARLING

Just got off the phone to Ola Snove, the new(ish) CEO of Aker part-owned Norwegian omega-3 specialist Epax. Wanted to know his view on high-end omega-3 prospects that have attracted BASF and DSM to the sector. His word: “Stellar”.

Special edition: Omega-3

Finished product fortification: Tackling the challenges of omega-3 in processed foods

21-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Omega-3 is the undisputed champion of the supplement and health food world. Yet its translation into everyday food products is slow and challenging because of the complex interactions that need to be tracked in a finished food, say experts.