FDBusiness.com

Omega 3 text, brown linseed

Arjuna Natural Extracts is to launch a high-concentrate —90% — omega-3 PUFA ingredient for dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages.

Innova Market Insights reports an increase in the use of omega-3 in brain health supplements in the US market. In 2015, 18% of brain health supplement launches tracked with omega-3 as an ingredient, while in 2011 only 6.9% of brain health supplement contained this ingredient. The company identified the Top 5 claims for omega-3 supplement launches tracked in Europe and the US and found heart health leads with 60%, and brain-mood health follows with 43%.

The main challenge in providing the daily intake of omega-3 is ensuring the consumer gets high enough content of the nutraceuticals, according to Arjuna. The old solution was to take multiple capsules or a hard-to-swallow “horse pill” – but, the company believes, consumers demand convenience and, of course, smaller, easy-to-swallow soft capsules.

“A larger quantity of softgels or capsules can lead to over consumption and overdoses of unnecessary additives just to achieve your daily-recommended dose of omega-3 PUFAs,” said Benny Antony, Joint Managing Director for Arjuna Natural Extracts. “We developed a high-concentrate omega-3 PUFA that enables daily intake in just one capsule or one liquid ‘shot’ per day. More than ever, product makers are seeking a clean, clear omega-3 that leaves them free from anxieties about contamination.”

Fish oil is among the most concentrated sources of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, Arjuna notes, saying that omega-3s have been found to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, plus ameliorate or help prevent dozens of health concerns.

The majority of applications of omega-3 are in products targeting cardiovascular health, the company says, pointing out that omega-3s are so beneficial in reducing triglyceride levels, they are approved by FDA as a drug for the treatment of high triglyceride levels.

While omega-3 fatty acids can be derived from various types of fish and other sources, sardines are particularly high in EPA and DHA, plus other nutrients found to support cardiovascular and other health issues.

“We examined a range of fish rich in omega-3 and selected a specific sardine type for our ingredient,” saids Antony. “With growing concern over the health of the seas, people are turning to sardines since they are at the bottom of the aquatic food chain, feeding solely on plankton. They have a shorter lifecycle than other fish, and accumulate fewer toxins during their lifecycle. Moreover, sardines live on the upper layer of the ocean, which is comparatively less polluted than the deeper waters. These characteristics reduce the chances of product contamination with ocean pollutants.”

“Consumers, especially millennials, want to know where their omega-3 come from—they are justifiably concerned about traceability and supply chain control,” said Antony. “Arjuna ensures food safety and a pure, sustainable product via wild-caught sardines from the west coast of India, top safety procedures, plus a solar-powered system that provides 100% of the energy required to produce omega-3.”