Omega-3s & nutritional oils

Responsible supply: IFFO changes fish oil and fishmeal sourcing rules

04-Apr-2014 By Shane STARLING

Non-members of the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization (IFFO) are able to apply for ‘responsible supply’ (RS) certification, after the body altered its criteria recently.

Krill wars redux: Enzymotec ends settlement negotiations with Neptune, ITC case to go forward

02-Apr-2014 By Hank Schultz

In a new phase of a long-standing krill oil patent dispute, Israel-based Enzymotec Ltd. has backed out of a settlement negotiation with Canada’s Neptune Technologies & Bioressources, both companies confirm. Enzymotec said it halted negotiations after...

Omega-3s science is rock solid, but you don't win every game, expert says

01-Apr-2014 By Hank Schultz

When scientists seek to counteract bad press for omega-3s it is a matter of taking two steps forward while taking one back, said Bruce Holub, professor emeritus at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

InsideTracker CEO: ‘The one-size-fits-all intervention approach to nutrition makes no sense - Personalization is the future’

31-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

It may have been said before, but the future of nutrition is through personalization, especially for athletic individuals who want to achieve the optimal and not just normal levels, says Rony Sellam, CEO of Segterra, the company behind InsideTracker.

Frutarom jumps into the omega-3 sea

25-Mar-2014

The health division of Swiss ingredients player Frutarom has launched omega-3s for the first time with the company noting their potential in heart, brain and eye health along with inflammation and general well-being.

Vegans respond ‘robustly’ to algal-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplement

24-Mar-2014 By Stephen Daniells

The omega-3 index of vegans is low, but no lower than the levels measured in omnivores, says a new study, which also supports the efficacy of an algal-derived omega-3 supplement to boost EPA and DHA levels.

Symposium to delve into science behind DPA, an under-the-radar omega-3

24-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

In what is billed as a first in nutrition research, a symposium scheduled for early July in Sweden will bring together lipids researchers specifically to look at the science behind a little-talked-about omega-3 fatty acid: docosapentaenoic acid or DPA.

Canadian group floats plan for algal omega-3s from dispersed bioreactors harvesting agricultural waste

21-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

Algae promoters usually talk big: Big ponds, banks of bioreactors, chemical process efficiencies and economies of scale.  A group in Canada is looking at the other end of the spectrum, harnessing a small scale bioreactor technology and making it simple...

Huge demand for omega-3 liquid products driving delivery innovations: Virun CEO

20-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Consumers like the delivery of omega-3 fatty acids in a liquid, and many innovative products are already on shelves, but what technology is being used, what are the challenges, and where are the next opportunities coming from?

Special edition: Innovations in Delivery Systems

NanoSphere Health CSO: ‘We’re revolutionizing the way of delivering nutrients’

20-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Disruptive technologies to produce natural nano-sized nutraceuticals could ‘revolutionize’ how dietary supplements deliver their benefits, with smaller most definitely better for enhancing bioavailability and bio-efficacy, says the CSO of NanoSphere Health...

Special edition: Innovations in Delivery Systems

Gummy vitamin market still has ‘great’ potential: Pharmavite

20-Mar-2014 By Maggie Hennessy

In the continued effort to appeal to consumers loathe to swallow pills every day, supplement manufacturers have ventured into everything from melts and powders to confectionery-type supplement forms such as chews and gum. A few years into its foray into...

Is current evidence sufficient to support recommendations for higher omega-3 intakes?

17-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Higher blood levels of the omega-3s EPA and DHA are associated with lower coronary risks, but the overall evidence is insufficient to encourage high consumption of omega-3s, says a new meta-analysis.

Did the AREDS2 study set the cut-off for benefits too high?

AREDS2 data finds omega-3s ineffective for heart health, but subgroup analysis suggests big benefits for healthy individuals

17-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily dietary supplements of omega-3s do not affect cardiovascular disease risk in elderly patients with the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, says a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Metabolites of EPA, DHA ripe area for innovation, expert says

17-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

Innovation in omega-3s has come in many forms.  New delivery modes, new raw material sources, and new chemical forms.  But through it all, the story has always been about  EPA and DHA as whole molecules. That might be about to change.

Wiley’s Finest CEO: ‘We’re elevating the conversation on sustainability and transparency on omega-3s’

14-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Wiley’s Finest Wild Alaskan Fish Oil is growing rapidly from a small start two years ago, with the messages of sustainability, quality and being 100% USA resonating with American consumers, says the company’s CEO.

Something smells fishy: Why the media silence over the blood pressure benefits of omega-3s?

14-Mar-2014 By Stephen Daniells

It was big news… and positive: A new meta-analysis of 70 randomized clinical trials – the gold standard – showed that omega-3s from supplements and fortified foods could significantly improve blood pressure. So why is the mainstream media silent over...

FMC to split into two publicly traded companies

12-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

FMC Corporation, owner of omega 3 fish oils leader EPAX, will split into two publically traded companies, the corporation announced recently.  The plan is to split the agricultural and nutrition segments off from the company’s industrial minerals divisions.

Omega Protein's human nutrition revenues up 88%

11-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein Corporation is seeing increased benefits from its acquisiton of whey producer Wisconsin Specialty Protein.  Revenues from the new division helped the company achieve record profits as the company continues to execute on its plan of moving...

Healthy eating may reduce the risk of preterm delivery: Population data

11-Mar-2014 By Nathan Gray

A healthy diet packed with fruit, vegetables, and omega-3 rich fish could help to reduce the risk of pre-term babies, according to new research.

‘Significant clinical impact’: Meta-analysis finds omega-3s equal lifestyle changes for blood pressure benefits

07-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Consuming omega-3 supplements or omega-3-rich food may be as effective as reducing sodium or alcohol, or increasing exercise for reducing blood pressure, says a new meta-analysis of 70 randomized controlled trials.

Look to GM plants and algae to meet omega-3 demand, researchers urge

07-Mar-2014 By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

Increasing demand for long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA means industry must consider land-based sources including microalgae and genetically modified plants, say researchers.

High consumption of omega-3 fish oils may reduce artery calcification

05-Mar-2014 By Nathan Gray

An intake of omega-3 fatty acids comparable to those of people living in Japan may be linked to protection against artery calcification and heart disease, according to new research.

Echium oil may boost blood omega-3 levels and improve heart health markers: Study

05-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily intake of a supplement containing echium oil may boost blood levels of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, and help reduce cardiovascular risk factors, says a new study from Germany.

Label changes open door for discussion of 'good' fats, GOED chief says

04-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

In the proposal by the Food and Drug Administration to update labels for foods and dietary supplements, the agency declined to set a value for omega-3 fatty acids.  This does not mean the agency discounts their health benefits, said Adam Ismail, executive...

Omega-3 supplements may boost neuropsychological measures for kids who need most support

04-Mar-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve attention, processing speed, executive function and hand-to-eye coordination in malnourished children, scientists report.

Is the omega-3 sector in decline?

27-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Growth in fish oil sales have been described by the CEO of Vitamin Shoppe as ‘softening’, while data from GOED indicates that 12 million users have left the category in the US, so is the omega-3 sector in decline?

Omega-3-rich fish intake during pregnancy may boost birth weight for babies: European data

25-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Higher intakes of fish during pregnancy may lead to infants with a higher birth weight, as well as reducing the risk of pre-term births, according to data from 19 European birth cohort studies.

Robinson Pharma ups capabilities by acquiring assets of bankrupt liquids and powders manufacturer

20-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

Contract manufacturer Robinson Pharma has acquired the manufacturing assests of bankrupt Creations Garden Natural Products in a deal that will allow the combined company to “enter into some new product arenas,” according to Kenn Israel, vice president...

Euromonitor: Strong momentum to propel global omega-3 sales

18-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

The omega-3 market continues to grow and appears to have unstoppable momentum worldwide, according to expert Diana Cowland, who keeps tabs on the sector for Euromonitor International.

Lonza and DSM settle omega-3 patent dispute

18-Feb-2014

Ingredients giants DSM and Lonza have settled a patent dispute over production of algal-sourced omega-3 oils (DHA) that lasted for almost ten years.

Omega-3 backed for Alzheimer’s disease potential

18-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids could help to prevent and even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by stimulating newly identified ‘resolution pathways’, according to research outlining an ‘entirely new’ approach to the condition.

Glycolipids, salts, and wax esters: GOED’s Ismail outlines next generation omega-3 forms to watch

17-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

The omega-3 world is about to move beyond the scope of triglyceride, ethyl ester, and phospholipid forms, says the executive director of GOED, with third generation omega-3 forms to watch including glycolipids and omega-3 salts.

Dr Alex Richardson Q&A: Nutritional Lipids for Mood and Behaviour

14-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

On the back of huge interest and too little time in her presentation and following Q&A session at yesterday's Nutritional Lipids and Oils online event, we put some more of your questions to Dr Alex Richardson.

GOED on new cancer study: ‘Results do not support a change in omega-3 intake’

14-Feb-2014 By Stephen Daniells

A new study that links omega-3 intakes and an increased risk of endometrial cancer changes nothing for current recommendations for omega-3s, says the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED).

Register now for our exclusive free to attend event

Nutritional Lipids and Oils online event: TODAY

12-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Our exclusive online event, offering the latest market information and scientific insights in for the nutritional lipids and oils market takes place today. But it's not too late to register.

Canadian supplier launches omega 3-6-9 oil from ancient oilseed species

11-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

Canadian oil supplier Biodroga is hoping to make a splash in the omega oils market with the launch of an oil derived from camelina sativa that is rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9, the company says.

Omega-3 and metabolism: DHA may reduce risk of metabolic conditions, study suggests

10-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially in the form of DHA, may be of ‘significant value’ in reducing the risk of metabolic conditions including fatty liver disease, according to new research.

Can EPA-rich supplements help brains work 'less hard' and boost mental performance?

10-Feb-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Omega-3 supplements rich in EPA may improve cognitive performance with a reduction in neural activity observed, indicating that the brain worked ‘less hard’, report researchers from Australia.

FMC posts earnings, says UK omega-3s facility nearing full scale production

10-Feb-2014 By Hank Schultz

FMC Corporation announced a 24% rise in revenues in its fourth quarter of 2013, hitting $1.1 billion. For the full year of 2013, the company hit $3.9 billion in revenues, a 14% rise over the previous year. In its earnings release, FMC gave an update on...

Omega-3 rich diet linked to more developed brain networks: Monkey data

07-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Monkeys that consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids have more developed neural networks than those who do not, according to new research.

Hempseed oil may be 'packed' with health-promoting compounds, finds new analysis

07-Feb-2014 By Nathan Gray

Hempseed oil from legal low-THC versions of hemp may be full of potentially beneficial compounds including plant sterols and omega-3 fatty acids, according to new research.

IFOS opens certification door to omega-3 suppliers

29-Jan-2014

Croda has become the first omega-3 supplier to win a QC certification from the voluntary International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) which has previously focused on branded products.

Plant-sourced omega-3 science builds but don’t fry fish oil supply, says IFFO

27-Jan-2014 By Shane STARLING

An international marine ingredients group says overfishing is a concern, but one that is being managed, and fish will remain a sustainable and reliable omega-3 source in the long term future.

Aker-Naturex joint venture ramps up production capacity with announcement of new facility in Texas

27-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

Aker BioMarine and its extraction partner Naturex have finalized a deal to build a new krill oil production facility in Texas to augment existing product capacity in Valencia, Spain. The new facility is Aker’s first in North America, currently its most...

Omega-3 may help preserve brain volume in old age: Study

23-Jan-2014

People with higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may also have larger brain volumes in old age equivalent to preserving one to two years of brain health, according to new research.

Increased intake of long-chain omega-3 may reduce diabetes risk: Study

21-Jan-2014 By Nathan Gray

High serum concentrations of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids could help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to a third, according to new population data.

Nutraceutical blend may ease dry eye symptoms: Study

20-Jan-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

A combination of omega-3s and antioxidants may significantly reduce dry eye symptoms, including ‘scratchy’ eyes, eye redness, and blurry vision, according to a new study.

Chilean company touts benefits of on-board, water extraction technology for krill oil

16-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

The krill sector, a hotbed of news in recent weeks, could acquire a new production player after a successful test aboard a fishing vessel of a new extraction technique by Tharos Ltd., a Chilean firm that has worked on the technology end of the business...

Neptune sustains losses as it nears end of 'difficult period'

15-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

In its first earnings statement since the conclusion of its long-standing intellectual property battle with its krill competitors, Neptune CFO Andre Godin said the company is coming to the end of the of a difficult period.

Omega-3s may boost heart health for people with Metabolic Syndrome

15-Jan-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Omega-3 supplements may boost endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and inflammatory status in people with metabolic syndrome, according to a new study from the University of Athens Medical School in Greece.