Plant-based omega-3 rich ingredient, Nutriterra, is safe and effective, says recent study

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A recent human clinical trial published in the Frontiers of Nutrition¹ investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel transgenic long-chain omega-3 rich canola oil called Nutriterra, from Nuseed Nutritionals U.S. Inc. (West Sacramento, CA). In the randomized, placebo-controlled study, 132 subjects were randomly assigned to receive with low, mid, or high-dose of the omega-3 rich canola oil, or placebo. After one dose, plasma omega-3 levels were assessed over a 72-hour pharmacokinetic period, then whole blood and red blood cells (RBC) omega-3 and serum cardiovascular biomarkers were assessed during a 16-week period with daily supplementation.

Results showed that in the high dose group, DHA and ALA bioavailability was significantly higher 72 hours after the first dose compared to the other groups. After four weeks of daily supplementation, the percent composition of DHA increase in all the canola oil- supplemented groups, while no change was observed in the placebo group. A dose-related response of the changes in DHA was revealed in between-group comparison showing that the higher the dose, the higher the composition. Researchers also found within-group increased in the percent composition of EPA in the high and mid-dose groups, while the increase in the low-dose and decrease in the placebo group did not reach statistical significance. Between groups, a dose related response was observed in EPA as well (high-dose = mid-dose > low-dose > placebo). Only the high-dose group saw an increase in ALA composition. Only the high and mid-dose groups experienced an improvement in the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

The red blood cell omega-3 profile after 16 weeks of supplementation showed an increase in the percent composition of DHA in the high and mid-dose groups, with a reduction in the placebo group and no change in the low-dose group. Between group comparison revealed a dose-related response for changes in DHA (ie. Higher the dose, the higher the composition). EPA composition increased in the high-dose group, with a reduction in the placebo group, and no change in the mid and low-dose group. Only the mid-dose group saw an increase in ALA, but the percent composition was not different from the other groups. The omega-3 rich canola oil was also well tolerated by subjects.

“This study confirms Nutriterra’s efficacy without compromise to nutrition or safety. Plant-based is the fastest growing segment in the omega-3 category, and this new option meets consumer demand for a sustainable alternative to marine oils with DHA, EPA, and ALA,” says Benita Boettner, Nuseed Nutritional general manager, in a press release.

Reference

1. Lin XL et al. “Transgenic canola oil improved blood omega-3 profiles: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults.” Frontiers of Nutrition, (March 10, 2022); https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.847114