Life Extension: optimising fish oils with bioactives
The brand sells a range of high potency EPA and DHA omega-3 soft gel supplements across the US and Europe with several of the products containing added compounds such as polyphenol-rich olive extracts and sesame lignans, ensuring for a more “comprehensive” approach to heart and cognitive health.
Ingredients include sesame, olive, and krill oil, which is rich in the carotenoid pigment astaxanthin which has strong antioxidant capabilities, with studies suggesting additional benefits to joint and brain health whilst reducing inflammation.
Dr. Andrew Swick, chief scientific officer at Life Extension, highlights the current success of the company’s omega-3 portfolio following a dip in the market throughout 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discussing the best seller within the range, Swick tells NutraIngredients: “Our ‘Super Omega-3’ is our top selling omega-3 product. It is an IFOS 5-star certified fish oil packed with EPA and DHA fatty acids, olive polyphenols and sesame seed lignan to promote heart health, brain health, and beyond.”
The product delivers 2,000mg of wild fish oil concentrate, containing 700mg of EPA and 500mg of DHA.
Research has revealed the significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of sesame seed lignans and olive polyphenols, as well as the potential protective effects against inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
He explains that Life Extension has continued to advise consumers to supplement with around 2,400 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily from a highly purified fish oil.
“Our suggestions are made based on the preponderance of evidence showing benefits for higher intake from diet and supplements,” he adds.
He explains that two servings of fish per week is recommended to help reduce heart disease and stroke risk, whilst a Science Advisory has suggested that 4g per day of prescription fish oil supplements is safe and effective to lower triglycerides.
A recent analysis reported that 3 grams each day of EPA and DHA may be the ideal dose to help lower blood pressure, whilst a newly published report found that taking more than 2 grams per day of DHA and EPA combined in supplement form may lower triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol, but not LDL cholesterol.
Swick highlights the company’s continued focus on research into Specialized ProResolving Mediators (SPMS), which are derivatives of omega-3s which have been previously shown to play a key role in the resolution of inflammation.
He emphasises the potential importance of the area following previously published research which identified that SPMS may prevent cardiac dysfunction; evidence which influenced the recent US launch of their ‘Pro-Resolving Mediators’ derived from 500mg of marine lipid concentrate.
Advancing category
Swick regards the growing gummy market suggesting future innovation potential within the omega-3 market, yet emphasises the significant challenges involved in formulating with fish oil gummies.
Despite the challenges, Life Extension is well on its way to bringing this addition to the market.
He explains: “Life Extension has been investigating a new technology that provides the unique and tasty aspects of a gummy with the beneficial high payload of soft gels. We have delivered a potent, balanced dose of 300 mg EPA and 225 mg of DHA per serving in a sugar-free, gluten free, no fish taste, with a gummy bite.”
He adds that the company will also be focusing on plant derived sources of omega 3, including algae and flax, following the recent rise in demand in the face of sustainability and climate concerns.
He highlights: “Transparency in both sourcing and quality is also important to consumers and helps to differentiate products on the shelf. Life Extension fish oil products are sustainably sourced in an integrated supply and manufacturing chain that can guarantee quality control and trace ingredients from the ocean to the finished products.”
