US firm Decas Cranberries has developed an omega-3 oil from cranberry seeds. Omegacran oil, being unveiled at SupplySide East today, is thought to offer an alternative to fatty acid products derived from fish sources.
The ingredient is produced using a chemical-free cold press expeller process, developed by scientists at the company's new health division Decas Botanical Synergies. Part of the Fruitaceutical line, it is designed for use in nutraceuticals, cosmetics and food supplements, as well as other non-food uses.
"This product has the benefits of omega-3 without the fishy smells or aftertaste of fish oil capsules. It also suits those consumers wishing to avoid animal-derived foods," Nikos Linardakis, science and health director at Decas told NutraIngredients.com.
The oil provides both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in an equal ratio. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in studies to help prevent coronary heart disease and arthritis. Fatty acids are also vital in brain health and for maintaining healthy skin.
The oil will see Decas moving into a new area of the health market - lipids - currently benefiting from positive research results. The company, which is a major producer of cranberries for use in foods, also markets Nutricran, a powder containing high-potency cranberry extract, launched earlier this year. It has been included in a dental care system, developed by California company Perio-Tek.
Cranberries have been associated with urinary tract health and their high antioxidant activity is thought to offer considerable disease-fighting abilities.