Capsoil overcomes “laws of nature” to convert bioactive oils into water-soluble powders for functional F&B

02 Feb 2022 --- Prodalim has developed a way to make ultra-fine, water-soluble powders out of natural oils, thus enabling new possibilities for functional F&B with fat-soluble vitamins and lipid-based nutrients.

This capacity for mixing oil and water is dubbed Capsoil Foodtech and is anticipated to lead to new supplement formats. 

Dr. Itay Shafat, scientific director of Capsoil, tells NutritionInsight that the technology is unique. “There are existing oil powders – made using carriers and are not water-soluble – but Capsoil powders are made differently and are proprietary.”

He adds that while any technology has its price, “innovation is priceless.”Prototypes of Capsoil products will be showcased next month at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, US. 

Boosting bioavailability
Capsoil takes any oil compound and converts it to a self-emulsifying powder. Unlike conventional powders, this novel process results in a dry, free-flowing powder that dissolves easily in either hot or cold liquids.

The process does not apply any form of extraction, solvent or heat process, nor does it alter the nutrient profile of the oil. 

Capsoil powders contain from 30% to 60% of the oil and its bioactive compounds. 

The emulsion’s nanostructured particles possess a large surface area, enhancing bioaccessibility and absorption of the encapsulated oil, which leads to improved bioavailability. This also translates into lower dose requirements.

“Producing a solution that will be easy to implement and ensures the stability of the actives was indeed a challenge, but we were able to solve it,” says Shafat. 

Endless possibilities?
According to the company, beneficial oils such as omega fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K have traditionally been confined to a narrow scope of food and supplement applications due to their lipophilic nature. 

As such, these nutrients have historically suffered from stability issues.

“Oil and water cannot mingle according to the laws of nature. We have found a way of overcoming this barrier, opening doors to products such as juices enriched with MCTs or ice pops fortified with omega fatty acids,” says Shafat.

Even hot drinks can get a “better-for-you” upgrade by infusing them with beneficial oils, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, or hemp oils. “The possibilities are endless,” he emphasizes. 

The company also highlights that these functional foods and beverages appeal to consumers facing growing “pill fatigue.”

Additionally, Prodalim has seen the functional F&B market grow “exponentially” as health and wellness have taken center stage, especially in the wake of the pandemic era.CEO Nir Ilani previously worked for Unilever, Frutarom and IFF.  

Supplement-friendly applications
Since the technology is based on a self-emulsifying system, it targets mainly the beverage industry.

“However, our powders can easily go to the dietary supplement industry as well,” Shafat proposes. “They are usable for new applications – tablets are very popular in Europe, so why not have an omega 3 tablet?” 

There are also new capabilities for incorporating lipid-based ingredients like omega 3 into dry pill, capsule or sachet formats rather than as an oil or softgel. Further possibilities include effervescent tablets and gummies. 

Nir Ilani, CEO of Capsoil, notes that many consumers find it difficult to ingest omega fatty acids in oil form, or they dislike the texture of soft gels. 

“Consuming high amounts of MCTs, a key component of the keto diet, is also burdensome for many consumers. Our tech allows for oil-based ingredients to be enjoyed in low, manageable doses and easy-to-digest formats.”

More research in the pipeline
The company has already trialed a broad spectrum of Capsoil powdered oils in various water-based applications, assessing such key parameters as bioavailability and stability of the actives with “very encouraging” results. 

“Further clinical trials are in the pipeline that will allow our innovative powdered formats to open the doors to new advances in functional product diversity,” says Shafat. 

Prodalim is also helping F&B companies tailor new applications and delivery methods for desired food oils or key fat-soluble nutrients. 

By Katherine Durrell