Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Omega-3 fish oil may protect against alcohol-related dementia: Lab data

10-Sep-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of the omega-3 long chain fatty acid DHA could help to protect against alcohol-related dementia, according to new data from lab studies.

Algae producer Solarvest nears market with organic omega-3 oil

30-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Algae production involves fostering the growth of individual, single cells.  But these remarkably flexible organisms afford multiple paths of entry into the nutraceutical business.  For Canadian company Solarvest Bioenergy, Inc., the path to its organic...

News in brief

GC Rieber names Novel Ingredient Services as US fish oil distributor

19-Aug-2013

Norway’s GC Rieber has selected Novel Ingredient Services as its exclusive US distributor for its omega-3 concentrates.

Omega-3 rich infant formula may boost later intelligence: Study

16-Aug-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of a DHA-enriched formula in infancy may be linked to positive cognitive outcomes in childhood, according to new research data.

Guest Commentary

A Whale of a Fish Story for Omega-3s

07-Aug-2013 By Steve Mister

There’s something fishy going on with omega-3s these days, and it appears that some of the consumer media who reported on the study fell for it – hook, line and sinker. Of course I’m talking about the study that recently published in the Journal of the...

US children’s supplement use is ‘moderate and appropriate’, says new survey

26-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The use of dietary supplements by an estimate 2.9 million US children is ‘moderate and appropriate’, according to a new survey.

New partnerships part of shift in UNPA's overall strategy

24-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

The United Natural Products Alliance has announced memorandums of understanding with seven organizations and associations as part of a move to transform itself into more of an organization bringing together thought leaders across the spectrum of the natural...

Omega-3 levels for healthy school children 'well below the minimum recommended for good cardiovascular health in adults'

Omega-3 levels linked to cognition and behavior in schoolchildren: Oxford University study

19-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Blood levels of DHA and other omega-3s are directly related to measures of cognition and behavior in schoolchildren with below average reading ability, says a new study from the UK.

Experts slam omega-3 link to prostate cancer as overblown 'scaremongering'

12-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

A raft of industry and academic experts have slammed the publication of a recent study claiming to 'confirm' a link between long-chain omega-3s and an increased risk of prostate cancer - arguing that the authors conclusions are overblown and...

Omega-3 from fish and flax backed to prevent broken hips: Study

02-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consuming high levels of omega-3 fatty acidsmay reduce the risk for hip fractures in postmenopausal women, research suggests.

Omega-3 DHA’s brain health benefits may emerge in later childhood

27-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The potential brain health benefits of increased intake of DHA at birth may take several years to emerge, according to data from a small cohort of children.

Lakeview Farms and Oceans Omega claim industry first with gelatin cups fortified with omega-3 EPA and DHA

13-Jun-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Dips and desserts specialist Lakeview Farms and omega-3 emulsions expert Oceans Omega have unveiled what they claim are the first gelatin cups fortified with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Monumental for maintenance of health? New study shows fish oil may boost heart health by influencing mental stress

10-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The heart health benefits of fish oil may be partly linked to its ability to blunt the detrimental cardiovascular effects of mental stress, says a new study from Michigan Technological University.

Denomega gains Friend of the Sea certification

10-Jun-2013

Denomega’s omega-3 cod liver oil processing plant in Leknes, Norway, has been certified by sustainable fishing watchdog, Friend of the Sea.

Green-lipped mussel omega-3s reduce exercise asthma: Study

29-May-2013

New Zealand green-lipped mussel omega-3s improved respiratory function in exercising asthmatics, Indiana University researchers have found.

Nordic Naturals targets emerging EPA-only omega-3 sector with new supplement

28-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Leading omega-3 supplement manufacturer Nordic Naturals has extended its EPA-only omega-3 supplement range with ‘one of the most powerful EPA-only concentrates available without a prescription’.

Algal DHA, and where animal and human nutrition meet: What’s the best way to get your omega-3s? Pills, food fortification, or enrichment?

24-May-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Given the choice, most consumers say they prefer to get their nutrition from eating ‘real’ food - not popping pills - and ideally, foods ‘naturally’ rich in the desired nutrients.

Omega 3 squid oil processor gets Australian approval

21-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Pharma Marine, a Norwegian company sourcing omega 3 oils from squid, has announced approval of its Calamarine product by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Dispatches from VitaFoods Europe 2013

System of embargoing press releases skews perception of nutrition studies, GOED chief says

21-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Recent research results about the effectiveness of omega 3 fatty acids in the prevention of secondary heart attacks have been generalized to cast doubt on the value of the ingredients' overall effectiveness in cardiovascular health.  This is unfortunate,...

Live from VitaFoods 2013

GMO ingredients can form part of Omega-3 supply picture, GOED chief says

20-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

Genetic modification of oil seed crops will form an important part of the future omega-3s supply picture, according to Adam Ismail, executive director of the Global Organization of EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED). 

Omega-3 ethyl esters may make blood vessels more elastic: Study

19-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids in the ethyl ester form may reduce the stiffness in arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese people, says a new study from Australia.

Omega-3s for clot prevention: EPA for men, DHA for women?

16-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Men and women may benefit from different types of omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce their risk of stroke or heart attacks linked to blood clots, says a new study from Australia.

Novotech gets patents on powdered omega-3s technology

11-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Novotech Nutraceuticals has announced that it has been awarded both US and UK patents on its technology to produce powdered omega-3 ingredients.

Qualitas Health: We’re filling the hole in the market for unopposed EPA omega-3

10-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Israel’s Qualitas Health is rolling out its sustainable, algae-sourced omega-3 oil rich in EPA for supplements, filling a hole in the market for pure-EPA oils.

DSM and Monsanto to commercialize soybean oil rich in omega-3 SDA. But will anti-GMO sentiment hinder its progress?

08-Apr-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Monsanto has joined forces with DSM to commercialize a genetically engineered soybean oil rich in the omega-3 fatty acid SDA (stearidonic acid) that can offer a more cost-effective means of adding omega-3s to foods without the flavor, stability and shelf-life...

Special Edition: Supefruits — Old news, or still super?

Gac fruit relies on carotenoid content as its superfruit calling card

08-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Most superfruits,  packed with polyphenols and bristling with antioxidant power, seek to beat blueberries at their own game. But there is a new player in the market, one that takes a different line of attack.  Gac fruit,  a spiky orb borne by an Asian...

Increasing omega-3 intake could slash mortality risk in older adults: Study

03-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

High consumption of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids might be associated with a lower risk of dying among older adults by as much as 27%, according to new research.

Tech company, shrimp processor form joint venture to process omega-3 oils from waste stream

02-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Solutions4CO2 Inc., a Canadian company that develops ways  to process waste gas, water and biomass streams into high value nutraceutical co products, has entered into an agreement to develop a new source of omega-3 oils from the waste streams of cold...

Fish oil supplements show heart rate benefits: Meta-analysis

29-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The heart health benefits of omega-3-rich fish oil may be linked to its ability to favorably influence the variability in heart rates, says a meta-analysis of 15 studies.

‘Far-reaching benefits’: DHA omega-3 may boost memory for healthy young people

28-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may improve memory and reaction times for healthy young people, says a new study that could ‘translate into far-reaching benefits’.

New process converts omega-3 oils into powders

22-Mar-2013 By Jane Joseph

Dynamic Extractions and Formulations (DEF) claims a new process that converts omega-3 and other oils into stabilised fine powders improves the nutritional value and shelf life of the product.

DSM teams up with Oceans Omega for emulsions

11-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Ingredients giant DSM Nutritional Products has enhanced it omega-3 portfolio with a supply agreement with Oceans Omega LLC and its OTEC emulsion ingredients.

Omega Protein looking for organic growth, but acquisition pipeline remains open, CEO says

07-Mar-2013 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein CEO Bret Scholtes said the company is looking toward organic growth first in the wake of its acquisition of whey producer Wisconsin Specialty Protein. But doesn’t mean the company isn’t ready to pull the trigger if the right deal comes along.

Herring caviar omega-3 form wins Oz-NZ distribution

04-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

Norwegian herring-sourced omega-3 specialist Arctic Nutrition has inked a distribution deal in Australia and New Zealand with Pathway International.

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Should vegans and vegetarians take supplements of EPA and DHA omega-3s?

28-Feb-2013 By Elaine WATSON

If they don’t eat fish, vegans and vegetarians get very little EPA and DHA, the long chain omega-3 fatty acids we are told are key for maintaining cardiovascular and cognitive health. But is this a problem that needs to be fixed? And are algal omega-3...

Fish oil supply crisis forces omega-3 price hike at DSM

22-Feb-2013 By Shane Starling

DSM’s bulging lipid business has bumped fish-sourced omega-3 oil prices 15% as crude fish oil stock prices skyrocket in the face of increasing demands on global fisheries.

Special edition: Omega-3s

Marine omega-3 sources are clearing sustainability bar - so far

21-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

Fish oil, an ingredient with a 150-year plus history as a nutraceutical, continues to be the mainstay of the world’s supply of omega-3s.  But, with all of the questions hovering over the health of the oceans, how much longer can suppliers and manufacturers...

Omega-3 and vitamin D may help clear Alzheimer's plaques

12-Feb-2013 By Nathan Gray

Researchers have pinpointed the mechanism behind vitamin D3 and omega-3’s ability to enhance the immune system's ability to clear the brain of amyloid plaques that are associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

Of mice and men: Experts challenge omega-6, omega-3 mouse gut health study

28-Jan-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Leading omega-3 experts have challenged results of a study with mice that found that a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids may disrupt gut microbiota, and that supplemental fish oil may make things worse.

CRN says fish oil standard might be better sans stab at fingerprinting fish

16-Jan-2013 By Hank Schultz

The Council for Responsible Nutrition has submitted comments to the Codex Alimentarius Commission recommending substantive changes to the proposed draft standards for fish oils, the organization announced yesterday.

Omega-3s may boost heart health for smokers: RCT data

10-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Cigarette smokers – a group at increased risk of heart problems – may benefit from daily omega-3 supplements, suggest data from a gold-standard randomized control trial. 

USP's draft krill oil monograph could help bring consistency to sector

10-Jan-2013 By Hank Schultz

The recent announcement by USP of a proposed new standard for krill oil could help boost customer and consumer certainty about the ingredient, experts said.

‘Intriguing’ study shows heart health benefits of omega-3-rich yogurt

07-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily consumption of omega-3-fortified yogurt may help boost heart health, says a new study that may ‘intrigue CPG companies to begin or continue their formulation efforts’.

Omega Protein's Atlantic menhaden catch to be cut by 20%

19-Dec-2012 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein, the largest manufacturer of fish oil omega-3s based in the US, will have to live with a 20% reduction in the amount of menhaden it can harvest in the Atlantic, the company announced recently.

BASF nutrition president on high-end omega-3, Equateq and the phood “white space”

13-Dec-2012 By Shane Starling

BASF is moving en masse into omega-3 - especially if its bid for Norwegian player Pronova is approved - but it is technology gained from its May acquisition of a high-dose omega-3 start-up on a remote Scottish island, that is exciting the German giant.

CoQ10 and omega-3 show prostate benefits: RCT data

12-Dec-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 may offer potential prostate benefits by reducing levels of a PSA, linked to prostate cancer risk, says a new study.

‘Evidence is strong’ for omega-3’s heart health benefits: Linus Pauling review

29-Nov-2012 By Stephen DANIELLS

The evidence supporting the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is strong, despite ‘less conclusive’ recent studies, says a new review from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

Omega-3 backed for postpartum depression

26-Nov-2012

Increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids could help to battle postpartum depression, according to a new review.

Functional foodstuffs: The challenge of omega-3 in finished products

15-Nov-2012 By Nathan Gray in Frankfurt

The challenge of getting beneficial omega-3 fatty acids into finished products is a big one for the food ingredients and manufacturing industry. But how can suppliers and manufacturers work to get these ingredients into a wider range of products?

Kalsec draws a bead on fish oil oxidation

14-Nov-2012 By Hank Schultz

Dealing with oxidation-prone fish oil emulsions in sensitive dairy applications will be a little less problematic with a new system solution from Kalsec.