Omega-3s & nutritional oils

BlueOcean nears finish line on shrimp oil omega-3s finished products

09-Mar-2017 By Hank Schultz

BlueOcean NutraSciences is making progress toward full market entry with an improved line of finished products based on its omega-3s oil sourced from cold water shrimp.

Low omega-3 intakes a ‘concern’ for pregnant women: US data

08-Mar-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Pregnant women in the US should be encouraged to consume more omega-3s, with a new analysis showing that intakes of EPA and DHA are falling short of recommendations. 

Omega-3's could defend against air pollution damage: Mice study

07-Mar-2017 By Will Chu

Supplementing the diet with omega-3 fatty acids could restrict the tissue and organ damage caused by air pollution, says research.

Almost half of all deaths from heart disease & diabetes linked to diet: JAMA study

07-Mar-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Omega-3s from seafood, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains are among the 10 dietary factors associated with an estimated 45% of all cardiometabolic deaths in the US, says a new study.

Human nutrition trends are translating to pets, says CEO of The Honest Kitchen

06-Mar-2017 By Adi Menayang

From Ayurvedic botanicals to whole food nutrient sources, more US pet owners in urban and coastal areas are looking past the pellets, says pet wellness expert Lucy Postins.

Omega Protein moves closer to sale of human nutrition assets

03-Mar-2017 By Hank Schultz

Despite improved returns for its embattled human nutrition segments, Omega Protein has launched a more focused strategic review that could include the sale of one or more of the businesses.

Omega-3 could decrease mortality rate in postmenopausal women, study suggests

01-Mar-2017 By Emma Jane Cash

Women with a high omega-3 status are up to 20% less likely to die from any cause, compared to those with low levels of DHA and EPA, finds a new study.

Herbalife unveils China TCM joint venture as it posts flat full-year sales for 2016

24-Feb-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Herbalife has reached an agreement in principle to form a joint venture with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products and services firm Tasly Holding Group.

Continued buzz about mercury in fish could bolster omega-3 supplements

22-Feb-2017 By Hank Schultz

The gravity of questions about mercury in fish seems to depend on the particular expert’s point of view, with neurologists high on the concern curve. But those concerns could bolster the uptake of omega-3 supplements, one expert says.

Organic & Natural Health launches omega-3 field study

21-Feb-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The Organic and Natural Health Association has launched a consumer education campaign to encourage consumers to test their omega-3 levels to identify supplementation needs, following on from the success of its “Power of D” campaign.

CRN, NPA support bill to allow health savings dollars to be used for supplements

20-Feb-2017 By Hank Schultz

The latest version of the proposed Health Savings Act would allow consumers to use their tax-free health savings account dollars to pay for dietary supplements as well as drugs, doctor visits and other health services.

Precedent setting: The development and legacy of the GOED monograph

20-Feb-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The early 2000s were a time of health claims success and growing consumer awareness around the benefits of omega-3s, but concerns over quality in the sector spurred stakeholders to work together to create quality standards for the industry. The result...

Updated: Aker finally achieving necessary scale in krill business, CEO says

17-Feb-2017 By Hank Schultz

If you want to play in the krill game, you have to go big, says Aker BioMarine CEO Matts Johansen. And after years of development and investment, Aker BioMarine is finally achieving the scale necessary to be reliably profitable.

To prep for April public launch, Supplement OWL site gets a few tweaks

15-Feb-2017 By Adi Menayang

The Supplement Online Wellness Library (OWL) website has been updated to include easier data input instructions, streamlining the data population process for the first industry-wide registry of finished products.

Aker BioMarine invest €112.6 million in new krill vessel

14-Feb-2017

Norwegian krill player Aker BioMarine has commissioned a new environmentally-friendly krill fishing vessel, at a cost of around €112.6 million (NOK 1 billion).

What next for Health Canada’s proposed NHP changes?

14-Feb-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Health Canada has received over 3,500 written comments in response to its proposed changes to how natural health products and dietary supplements are regulated.

Vitamin vending machines: Is this the future for supplements retailing in APAC?

14-Feb-2017 By Millette Burgos

The man who has launched Australia’s first store selling vitamins solely via vending machines wants to launch hundreds more in locations across the country, while also expanding to overseas markets such as China, Singapore, India and New Zealand.

Fish oil asthma benefits may be blocked by medication

10-Feb-2017 By Will Chu

Omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the production of antibodies that cause allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. But the possible benefits are reduced by asthma medication, say researchers.

Aker wins patent fight as Chinese competitor withdraws from US market

31-Jan-2017 By Hank Schultz

Krill oil supplier Aker BioMarine has won an important patent victory as a Chinese competitor has agreed to permanently withdraw its krill oil products from the US market.

Curcumin can be ‘as big as omega-3’ with correct science and marketing: OmniActive MD

31-Jan-2017 By Millette Burgos

Curcumin can become as big as omega-3, according to the boss of Indian nutraceutical supplier OmniActive, which has recently received a significant funding boost and made a high-level acquisition.  

Only 3% of study population had ‘good’ omega-3 levels linked to lower heart disease

Two-thirds of middle-aged German women have low omega-3: Increased risk of heart disease

27-Jan-2017 By Nathan Gray

More than 70% of middle-aged women are at an increased risk of heart disease risk because of low omega-3 status, says a new German population study that recommends nearly all should increase intake.

What’s on NutraIngredients-USA's 2017 Editorial Calendar?

26-Jan-2017 By Stephen Daniells

From immune support to deep dives into sports nutrition, personalized nutrition, botanicals, omega-3s, probiotics, pet supplements, and more, Nutraingredients-USA’s 2017 editorial calendar of special editions spans the hottest trends in the industry.

Seafood group ramps up educational resources

25-Jan-2017 By Hank Schultz

The nonprofit Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) has announced the availability of new online education programs and resources aimed at teachers and individuals to promote the benefits of a seafood-rich diet. 

Omega Protein starts dividend program

25-Jan-2017 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein has come through the tumult of a proxy fight and has announced a plan to distribute some of the cash generated by the business to shareholders via dividends. A line in the announcement gave the impression the company’s management has finally...

Can a Registry Build Trust?

25-Jan-2017 By Steve Mister, president & CEO, CRN

Trust is a fickle thing. Just ask the political candidates in the recent election. It’s built over time and can be squandered overnight.

Omega-3s linked to better cognitive function in mildly impaired older people

25-Jan-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve measures of cognitive function, including memory and perceptual speed, says a new study from China.

‘T-free’: Krill player backs odourless form in 'fishy smell' assault

24-Jan-2017 By Shane Starling

Enzymotec is backing a krill form using a patent-pending process it says makes it free of a component that contributes to the ‘fishy smell’ that can plague marine oils.

New validated test method for phytosterols will bolster uptake of cholesterol-fighting ingredients, Cargill says

23-Jan-2017 By Hank Schultz

Cargill and FDA have jointly announced a new validated method for measuring the levels of plant sterols and stanols in foods and dietary supplements.  The method, developed over a number of years, is simpler, more accurate and less prone to error, experts...

‘Final advice’ on fish consumption from FDA & EPA could boost seafood product sales

23-Jan-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

New guidance and an easy-to-use reference chart from EPA and FDA encouraging Americans – especially pregnant and nursing women and parents of young children – to eat more fish could boost sales of seafood products, including ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare...

Omega-3 supply shifts: The case for marine agriculture

23-Jan-2017 By Professor Michael Crawford

Varying forces are rapidly shifting the omega-3 supply chain. In this guest article, veteran researcher professor Michael Crawford says a rapid upscale in sea farming can make a major contribution to sustainable fish oils, with a potentially raised nutrient...

Chia leads the ancient grain field as new forms drive innovation

23-Jan-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Omega-3s, fiber, antioxidants, clean label, non-GMO, gluten-free, and plant-based: Chia ticks many of the hot button boxes for 21st Century consumers, so it is perhaps unsurprising that it is turning up in more new products than any other ancient grain.

Meta-analysis backs sea buckthorn for cholesterol & heart health

18-Jan-2017 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with sea buckthorn could significantly reduce heart disease risk by improving blood cholesterol and blood lipid profiles, finds a pooled analysis of previous RCTs.

Aquatic plant potential: Why duckweed could become a source of protein and omega-3 beyond South East Asia

12-Jan-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Duckweed has long been consumed as an inexpensive protein and source of omega-3 in three South East Asia countries, but now researchers are questioning if it has the potential to be adopted by south Asian and even Western consumers too.

NPA launches SSCI with GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart & Whole Foods onboard

12-Jan-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The Natural Products Association has officially launched the Supplement Safety and Compliance Initiative (SSCI), with some of the largest retailers of natural products and supplements involved.

13 categories open for entries to nutrition innovators. #NIAwards17

NutraIngredients Awards 2017: Deadline is 3 February

11-Jan-2017 By Shane STARLING

The NutraIngredients Awards are back in 2017 in Geneva at Vitafoods Europe with new categories to reward real progress and innovation in the global world of nutrition.

Omega-3, resveratrol, vitamin D, and berry antioxidant beverage offers immulogic approach to aging-related cognitive impairment, says UCLA study

09-Jan-2017 By Adi Menayang

Supplementation with omega-3s, antioxidants, and resveratrol in a beverage significantly improved Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, a questionnaire used to measure cognitive impairment in 18 patients, researchers found.

Office of Dietary Supplements outlines five-year strategic plan

06-Jan-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Creating and disseminating analytic tools for biomarkers, seeking to better understand the microbiome, and enhancing consumer to the Dietary Supplement Label Database are just some of the new directions outlined by the Office of Dietary Supplements for...

'Impressive': Omega-3s during pregnancy may protect kids from asthma

05-Jan-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Fish oil supplements during the third trimester of pregnancy may reduce the risk of the children developing asthma or wheezing, says a new study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.

Supplements and functional foods driving APAC fish oil market growth to 2020

05-Jan-2017 By Gary Scattergood

The Asia-Pacific fish oil market is forecast to grow by 5% to 2020 helping the global total to hit US$1.5bn, with supplements and functional foods tipped to be the region’s fasting-growing industry segment.

Company forms to push benefits of sciadonic acid

04-Jan-2017 By Hank Schultz

A new company is coming together around a ‘new’ fatty acid — sciadonic acid, which the developer says has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

‘A compelling story’: Meta-analysis supports omega-3s for heart disease risk reduction

03-Jan-2017 By Stephen Daniells

EPA and DHA omega-3s from food and supplements may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to results of a new meta-analysis.

Omega-3s & Algae: Lessons from 2016’s special editions

21-Dec-2016 By Adi Menayang

We learned that natural channel retailers are getting bored with plain old fish oil, and that there is still a lot of untapped potential in sourcing everything from omega-3s to protein to color from algae. Our in-depth coverage this year explored what’s...

Quality and science still strong for omega-3: GOED’s 2016 review

15-Dec-2016 By Adam Ismail, Executive Director, GOED

Overall 2016 has not been a bad year for the omega-3 industry, but it also has not been a strong year and therefore it still feels like we are having to fight for our right to exist. If anything, it appears like the omega-3 industry, which has grown on...

Omega-3s may turn off chronic low-grade inflammation in obese women: Study

13-Dec-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Adding omega-3 supplements to a calorie-controlled diet may combat the chronic inflammation associated with obesity by boosting specialized pro-resolving mediators derived from DHA, says a new study European scientists.

Dispatches from HiE 2016 in Frankfurt

Is the term omega-3 specific enough?

12-Dec-2016 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The term omega-3 doesn’t really mean anything, says chief scientist for supplier Aker Biomarine. 

Science short

DHA supplements may boost semen and sperm quality: RCT

06-Dec-2016

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may reduce the amount of DNA damage in sperm, says a new randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.

Coromega throws hat into high-concentrate omega-3s ring

01-Dec-2016 By Hank Schultz

California-based Coromega, a company that has based its value proposition the pleasant mouthfeel of its omega-3 emulsions, has found that it is not immune to the drive toward ever higher concentrations. The company has launched a “super-concentrated”...

Despite generally good reputation, Peruvian anchovy fishery still not MSC certified

28-Nov-2016 By Hank Schultz

The vast majority of the world’s supply of omega-3 fatty acids comes from the Peruvian anchovy fishery.  As the fishery recovers from depressed stocks caused by an El Niño event, the sustainability picture remains clouded, as one major certification body...

Early life nutrition builds brain resilience to extreme stress

28-Nov-2016 By Will Chu

Brain and memory impairment caused by stress during early development could be lessened by micronutrient supplements, according to a Dutch study. 

Omega-3s boost muscle function in older women but not men: Study

23-Nov-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Fish oil supplements may boost muscle function and quality in older women after 18 weeks of resistance training, but no such benefits were observed in men, says a new study.