Hen eggs with high omega-3

These omega-3 eggs will be able to offer an alternative source of fatty acid than oily fish, the company says, and the egg will be aimed at boosting children's intake of omega-3. The current recommended intake of very long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the UK is 450mg per day. One Goldenlay omega 3 egg will include a third of that according to Nobel Foods, and will be available in supermarkets in the UK from Monday. Per 100g of egg will contain a total of 800mg of omega-3. Of this, 300mg will be long-chain omega-3 - including aicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). The remaining 500mg will be of shorter chain omega-3 such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The company said a survey it carried out showed that "four out of five mums find it difficult to ensure that their children get enough omega 3 in their diet - and eggs are so much easier to give to kids than oily fish." ​​Andrew Joret, technical director, told NutraIngredients.com: "Children in particular find it difficult to eat enough omega 3, with many parents reverting to supplements rather than good wholesome food. ​ ​"We have done omega-3 eggs before, but not at these levels. ​​"They are a small part of the market, a niche part of the market. But we are offering that part something new. It has room to grow." ​ He said the hens which will be producing the special egg are fed an enriched omega-3 diet, but Joret declined to talk about the specific feed formula. "It is also good for the hen. The benefits omega-3 has for humans can also be used by the hens who are fed the enriched formula."​ The enrichment would be added to the standard hen food of cereal and soy, he added. ​ The line will be from free range hens, with omega-3 found in the egg yolk Omega-3 has been identified as one of the super-nutrients taking the food and supplements industry by storm. Much of its healthy reputation that is seeping into consumer consciousness is based largely on evidence that it can aid cognitive function and may help protect the heart against cardiovascular disease. Liz Tucker, nutritionist, health consultant and author of Understanding Food Intolerance, said: "Natural food sources are always a better option than supplements or fortified foods because the Omega 3 from a natural source is easier for our bodies to absorb. ​ ​"More than 450mg a day of long chain fatty acids can help heart health and may boost concentration and learning abilities in children." ​ ​According to the latest Frost & Sullivan figures, the European omega-3 market was worth around €160m (£108m) in 2004, and is expected to see growth of some eight per cent until 2010. In the past five years more than 3,000 products containing omega-3 fatty acids have been launched worldwide, with Europe dominating the market, according to Mintel's Global New Product Database. In the three years between 2003 and 2006, European launches increased from 61 to 404. While EPA and DHA are 20- and 22-chain chain carbons respectively, ALA is an 18-carbon. ALA is derived from plant sources such as flaxseed. A wealth of scientific backing has been developing in support of long-chained omega-3's, such as EPA and DHA, and its health benefits.