Hormel launches Co-Q10/omega -3 combination for foods and drinks

Minnesota-based Hormel Foods has launched a new combination of CoQ10 and omega-3 said to be shelf stable and cold water soluble, allowing formulators to add the combination ingredient to clear beverages, such as sports drinks.

The stability and water solubility is achieved using the company’s patent-pending Fuxions delivery platform, with one gram of the ingredient delivering 100 mg of EPA plus DHA and 50 mg of CoQ10.

“Lipid-based ingredients such as CoQ10 and omega-3 fish oils used to be notoriously difficult for incorporating into water-based applications,” explained Dr Chet Rao, marketing manager for Hormel Foods Specialty Products.

“Fortunately, the delivery system we use allows us to successfully add these ingredients to a wide range of products, including juices, ready to drink beverages, smoothies, sauces and low-fat foods.”

CoQ10

CoQ10 has properties similar to vitamins, but since it is naturally synthesized in the body it is not classed as such. Our ability to synthesize the compound peaks at the age of 20 and amounts in our body decrease rapidly after we pass the age of 40.

With chemical structure 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, it is also known as ubiquinone because of its 'ubiquitous' distribution throughout the human body.

The coenzyme is concentrated in the mitochondria - the 'power plants' of the cell - and plays a vital role in the production of chemical energy by participating in the production of adenosince triphosphate (ATP), the body's co-called 'energy currency'.

Omega-3

The heart health benefits of consuming oily fish, and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain, are well-documented. To date, the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been linked to improvements in blood lipid levels, a reduced tendency of thrombosis, blood pressure and heart rate improvements, and improved vascular function.

Beyond heart health, omega-3 fatty acids, most notably EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been linked to a wide-range of health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers, good development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health, and improved behaviour and mood.