Algal omega 3: Polaris to launch concentrated DHA, low saturated fatty acid oil to EU market

23 Sep 2019 --- French marine lipid expert Polaris has gained European authorization for its new, “super-concentrated, ultra-purified” algal omega 3 oil. It combines ultra-high concentration with properties increasingly demanded by the markets, such as sustainable sourcing from microalgae and extraction without solvents. Omegavie DHA 700 algae Sensory QualitySilver is suitable for applications such as dietary supplements, functional foods, dairy and infant nutrition.

The product is also subjected to a purification process that increases the level of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids, notes the company. This results in the product having a low saturated fatty acid content – around 5 percent compared to 30 percent or higher in other algal DHA oils. It is also stable due to Polaris’ patented QualitySilver 5 technology, which helps protect the nutritional profile of the oil and increases its resistance to oxidative stress.

The product is also subjected to a purification process that increases the level of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids.“Omegavie DHA 700 algae Sensory QualitySilver represents a major step forward in the evolution of algal omega 3. As a high quality, vegan, sustainable product with appealing sensory properties, it meets all the needs of today’s omega-3 consumers. However, what really sets it apart is its exceptionally high DHA content. We’re delighted that we’re now able to offer it in every global market,” says Dominique Taret, CEO at Polaris.

The product, which was previously only available outside Europe, has now received EU authorization after being approved for all market segments by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

“Our whole production process, including fermentation, extraction and refining, takes place in Europe and is completely eco-friendly. We all have concerns about how we’re going to feed the planet in 15 to 20 years from now and algal omega-3 oil is one of the answers for the future,” Louis-Marie Martin, VP of Sales & Marketing, Polaris, tells NutritionInsight.

A growing market for omega
The omega family has a strong health halo. Despite omega-rich products being readily available in the grocery aisle – such as oily fish – there is a wide and thriving omega supplement market. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega 3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis and reduce inflammation.

The rise of animal-free ingredients is tangible across categories in the food and beverage arena – and omega is no exception.

“Algal sources of omega 3 offer several advantages of traditional fish-derived products. They meet the growing demand for plant-based products, they’re allergen free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and they come from a source that can be managed in an environmentally friendly way.  Furthermore, fishy taste and smell – which deter many consumers – are not an issue. Saturated fatty acid levels, among other parameters, are also much lower, guaranteeing high nutritional value,” says Martin.

Developing plant-based sources will not only deliver more supply stability to the omega 3 market in general, but also open up a whole new market by catering to those consumers who choose to avoid animal-sourced products.Omega 3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis and reduce inflammation.

Indeed, among the natural ingredients, microalgae is suited to meet consumer expectations due to its natural diversity, offering a richness of molecules that can be produced in a close-controlled and sustainable way. 

Algae is an original source of omega 3 fatty acids, and it does not rely on raw material obtained from wild fish stocks.

In June, Veramaris, a joint venture of Royal DSM and German chemicals corporation Evonik, officially opened a US$200 million manufacturing facility located in Nebraska, US, for the commercial production of omega 3 fatty acids from natural marine algae.  

Meanwhile, in a bid to bring microalgae-based natural solutions for nutrition and wellbeing to market, French company Microphyt has raised €28.5 million (US$32 million) to further develop its portfolio. The funds will allow Microphyt to commercialize its range of natural products for nutrition and personal care and to build its production capacity and proprietary microalgae culture technology, as well as increasing production capacity of the company’s industrial platform. 

Edited by Laxmi Haigh