Omega-3

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s is making a push to spread awareness of omega-3s among healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and pharmacists, with the launch of its new Fats for Life website.

The review found that the combination of omega-3s and statins for heart health can sometimes be complementary, but can also be antagonistic. The authors note that further intervention studies are needed to explore the interaction.

A new clinical trial is underway to examine the effects of krill oil on those suffering from lupus.

Amarin Corp., maker of Vascepa, a high-concentration EPA-only omega-3 drug for heart health, published the topline results from its large-scale Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with EPA Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT).

Post-surgical immune function as well as recovery outcomes improved for GI cancer patients after short-term omega-3 supplementation, according to meta-analysis. 

An Australian company called Nuseed, a subsidiary of Nufarm Ltd., announced that USDA has deregulated the company’s proprietary omega-3 canola for cultivation in the U.S.

Higher omega-3 levels may be linked to reduced cognitive depression symptoms in heart failure patients, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology’s Heart Failure.

Bill Harris, PhD, omega-3 researcher and founder of OmegaQuant, says a recent Cochrane report is biased because it ignores a large body of evidence showing favorable effects of EPA and DHA on cardiovascular risk.

A heart-healthy lifestyle should start early in life. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can help.

The study was specifically conducted with children in Northern Ghana, where people have poor access to foods rich in omega-3s DHA and EPA.

In the study, mice that were fed a high-protein, high-omega-3, low-carbohydrate diet exhibited lower blood glucose levels, including in induced type 1 diabetes, hormone-induced hyperglycemia, and diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

A review of existing studies indicates that omega-3s may help to reduce hot flashes and depressive symptoms that occur during menopause, but researchers say further research is needed.

In the analysis, increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish was shown to exert a possible protective effect against anxiety.

In their main analysis, researchers found no significant cognitive benefits in Norwegian preschool students fed a fatty fish lunch versus a non-fish meat lunch for 16 weeks; however, they detected slight benefits in a sub-analysis adjusted for dietary compliance.

In a move sparked by a Greenpeace action campaign, Antarctic krill fisheries have agreed to cease fishing in sensitive areas of the Antarctic Ocean.

In the pilot study, MaxSimil increased omega-3 red blood cell levels, moderated the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and reduced key inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with cystic fibrosis.

The line is based on the company’s flagship, EPA-rich algae ingredient, Almega PL.

Nutritional Outlook recently spoke with Ellen Schutt, GOED’s new executive director, about how, under her leadership, the organization plans to identify market opportunities to move the omega-3 category forward.

Polaris will be introducing its new Omegavie DHA 650 Qualitysilver5 highly concentrated omega-3 algal oil, which harnesses the company’s Qualitysilver technology to prevent oxidation and rancidity.

Organic Technologies, the supplier of AlaskOmega omega-3 and omega-7 concentrates, says that this new company serves a European customer base looking for MSC-certified AlaskOmega ingredients.

Ellen Schutt, formerly GOED’s vice president of communications and education, has been appointed executive director of the omega-3 organization.

Algae’s flexibility as a functional-food and -beverage ingredient, a food additive, and a supplement ingredient makes it remarkably versatile.

Research updates on vitamin D, spearmint, omega-3, lutein, and zeaxanthin

Nutritional Outlook spoke with AlaskOmega representatives about a new pilot study showing that high-DHA fish-oil concentrate may support a healthy immune response in adults.

Aker BioMarine (Oslo, Norway) debuted promising new pilot-study data at last week’s Natural Products Expo West trade show, examining the benefits of the company’s Superba Boost krill oil concentrate for recovery of triathletes following high-intensity exercise.

Results from the pilot study showed that the high-DHA concentrate may indeed modulate human B-cell activity in middle-aged obese adults, but the study’s authors stressed the need for further testing in a larger cohort.

Omega-3s are poised for a comeback, thanks to innovation in the category and new research initiatives. 

GOED issued a statement to its members affirming several points, including that the meta-analysis, which showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had no significant associations with CHD death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, any coronary heart disease events, or major vascular events, adds little to the current body of evidence surrounding omega-3s and cardiovascular risk factors.

The acquisition is part of Frutarom’s merger plan to “enable the rapid, efficient, and comprehensive integration of the global activities of both companies.”

The novel omega-3 technology is designed to accelerate the nutrient’s absorption and ensure its delivery to the sites where the body most needs it.