Epax’s omega-9 and omega-11 blend lowers cholesterol in overweight adults, study finds

Epax’s Cetoleic 2040 has been shown to reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in overweight and obese adults by 7% after eight weeks of supplementation, according to a new clinical trial. 

The supplement contains an omega-9 gondoic acid and omega-11 cetoleic acid, both marine long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs).

According to Epax, this is the first human study evaluating these acids’ impact on cholesterol.

Having high cholesterol, especially LDL, which is often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” is linked to higher body fat percentage and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The company stresses that approximately 10% of adults have elevated cholesterol levels.

“We already have extensive preclinical evidence that demonstrates the benefit of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids on cholesterol concentration. Our clinical trial in healthy adults with overweight or obesity showed that supplementation with cetoleic acid concentrate reduced the LDL-cholesterol by 7%, which is estimated to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by around 15%,” says Oddrun Anita Gudbrandsen, professor at the University of Bergen, Norway.

“By reducing LDL-cholesterol, Epax’s omega-11 cetoleic concentrates have the potential to make a significant impact on cardiovascular health.”

The clinical trial was conducted by Gudbrandsen and builds on preclinical data from sources including the Bergen group.

Decreasing LDL

The study used 75 healthy, overweight, and obese adults for the eight-week study period. The participants were randomized into groups consuming 4 g daily of either EPAX Cetoleic 2040 or a control containing soyabean oil and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from anchovy oil.

The group consuming Epax’s supplement showed a 7% lower LDL cholesterol compared to the control group.Both groups consumed comparable levels of omega-3, meaning that the trial could differentiate between the effects of omega-11 cetoleic acid and omega-3.

After eight weeks, the group consuming Epax’s supplement showed a 7% lower LDL cholesterol from the baseline when compared to the control group. Additionally, the change was not associated with a decrease in body fat.

Thomas Gulbrandsen, global sales and marketing director, Epax, Norway, comments: “The new study is testament to Epax’s innovation strategy and underscores our commitment to clinically relevant, high-quality marine oils.”

“It also supports oils in our Epax NovusLipid category of next-generation marine lipids, including Epax Omega 3-9-11 — the world’s first commercially available LC-PUFA concentrate. Derived from pelagic fish from the North Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique combination of omegas 3, 9, and 11, supporting heart, metabolic, and skin health.”

Last year, the company introduced Epax Evolve 05, the world’s first commercially available very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLC-PUFA) product. The company positions the ingredient toward the healthy aging sector and sees opportunities in other markets, due to its ability to deliver approximately ten times the VLC-PUFA content of standard fish oil.