Epax launches long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid ingredient, Cetoleic 10: SupplySide West 2022 report

Photo © iStockphoto.com/ evemilla

Epax (Alesund, Norway) is launching a new Epax NovusLipid product range, the first product of which is Cetoleic 10. Rich in long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFA), the ingredient contains cetoleic acid, an omega-11 marine lipid, and gondoic acid (omega-9). The extract is derived from North Atlantic fish, which are lower in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to fish in the South Pacific typically used for fish oil production, but rich in cetoleic acid. Cetoleic acid’s potential health benefits include skin and metabolic health.

According to Derek Tobin, PhD, business development and clinical science manager for Epax, cetoleic acid supports healthy inflammatory response by accumulating itself in adipose tissue. The inflammation of adipose tissue is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. With regard to skin health, subcutaneous fat is the biggest depot for adipose tissue. Inflammation in the adipose tissue of subcutaneous fat therefore impacts skin appearance and health. The mechanism of action of Cetoleic 10, says Tobin, is anti-inflammatory, specifically Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-mediated anti-inflammatory response.

“[PPAR activation] also reduces de novo lipogenesis, so [it inhibits the] creation of new fat and increases the burning of fat. The overall effect of this is to decrease the fat in the liver, also pump out the cholesterol from the atherosclerotic plaque and decrease inflammation,” Tobin explains.

Epax will further explore the skin health benefits of Cetoleic 10. The firm conducted a small pilot study with results that showed Cetoleic 10 reduced the redness of skin in healthy subjects, compared to placebo. Subsequently, Epax has been granted funding to perform a study on the ingredient’s impact on eczema.