MegaFood unveils plant-based omega 3-6-9 for holistic whole body health

30 May 2024 --- US-based vitamin and minerals producer MegaFood has launched Omega 3-6-9, a plant-based complex with a combination of fatty acids from botanicals featuring omega-3 for heart and cognitive health along with vision and joint support.

“It’s a plant-based alternative to fish oil and shifting to plant-rich diets is a top climate solution that we can all engage in. By using fish-free algae oil, we are making plant-based alternatives more available and are supporting a healthier marine ecosystem.

“Our new plant-powered Omega 3-6-9 complex is grown and sourced with people and the planet in mind, sourced from fellow B-corp, Ahiflower,” says Stacia Betley, director of sustainability and social impact at MegaFood.

Vegan alternative
Omega 3-6-9 is made from Ahiflower and fish-free algae oil. The delayed-release capsules are coated and infused with organic lemon oil or a fish-free aftertaste or burps. The capsules are processed for minimal oxidation, which produces a better-tasting oil than traditional omega-3 supplements.

Traditional omega-3 supplements are made with fish oil, which can contribute to overfishing. At the same time, the Ahiflower used in Omega 3-6-9 is grown in the UK using regenerative farming practices, producing the same amount of oil as 500,000 anchovies.

“At MegaFood, it’s our mission to embed sustainability into all aspects of our business, which includes the products we innovate and the way we source ingredients,” says Betley. 

Meanwhile, Norway-based Epax unveiled Omega 3-9-11, which offers all the benefits normally associated with omega-3 supplementation, including heart and brain health, while omega-9 and 11 benefit skin and metabolic health.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients launched Biotis DHA FlexP 15 and Biotis DHA FlexP 20, algae-based, microencapsulated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) powders for brain health, suitable for vegan and vegetarian formulations designed for food, drinks and supplements. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid linked to brain, eye and cardiovascular health.

In addition, Grøntvedt Biotech launched CETO3 for its cetoleic acid and omega-3 ingredients. Also known as “omega-11,” cetoleic acid has been studied for its ability to convert the plant-based omega-3 alpha-lipoic acid into eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA in liver cells. The product sourced from Norwegian herring finds applications in the heart and skin health arenas.

Mercury-free
MegaFood’s Omega 3-6-9 is free of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls and tested for over 150 pesticides. It is also gluten-free and void of the nine common food allergens, including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame.

MegaFood’s products are certified glyphosate residue-free and the brand is also certified plastic-neutral through its partnership with RePurpose Global. 

In other industry news, the demand for omega-3 fatty acids continues to grow, as research underscores their many health benefits and dietary guidelines recommend consumers increase their intake of fatty fish. However, industry experts caution that the supply of fish oil — the primary source for EPA and DHA — can not expand at the same rate as fisheries safeguard sustainable production.

In contrast, researchers from various academic institutions in the US, China, Denmark and the UK conducted a large long-term cohort study on the regular use of fish oil supplements on the trajectory of cardiovascular disease. The study found that regular use could increase the risk of first-time heart disease and stroke but slow the progression of existing poor cardiovascular disease.

Further, the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s published its latest review on the status of omega-3 diagnostics testing, providing an overview of the best options available for measuring long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids via dietary assessments and commercially available analytical tests of blood and breast milk samples.

By Inga de Jong