New delivery tech improves absorption in omega 3 and minimizes fishy taste

(Image credit: iStock Happy Lark)

26 May 2023 --- Life Extension’s omega 3 fish oil gummy bites allow for better absorption of nutrients, higher payload capacity, clean label and a consumer-pleasing taste through an emerging ConCordix omega 3 delivery technology developed by Vitux AS.

With the new technology, Life Extension’s omega 3 gummy chews have a dosage of 300 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 225 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in one gummy.

“ConCordix Smart Chews are the optimal delivery system for omega 3 as demonstrated by research confirming that ConCordix users absorbed 43% more omega 3s than standard soft gel users, as measured by serum levels,” Andrew Myers, Vitux AS chief science officer, tells NutritionInsight.

“Optimizing serum levels of the omega 3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA is related to positive cardiovascular, cognitive and immune function health.”

Myers hopes the company will leverage the ConCordix delivery technology and unique functionality in other nutrient categories.

“Nutrients such as CoQ10, vitamins D3 and K2 and eye health nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin are all opportunities for Life Extension customers to experience Smart Chew’s attributes.”

ConCordix Smart Chew technology mirrors how nature delivers omega 3s based on how fats are packed in salmon.Technology inspired by nature
Myers notes that ConCordix Smart Chew technology mirrors how nature delivers omega 3s based on how fats are packed in salmon.

“ConCordix Smart Chews deliver billions of tiny droplets of fish oil created in our patented emulsification process. This enhances exposure to digestive enzymes and the surface area of the gut wall, leading to improved absorption.”

“The added benefit of our technology is that our emulsification is stable.”

Myers explains that compared to tablets and two-piece hard shells (capsules), ConCordix provides an alternative delivery to consumers with pill fatigue.

“Compared with soft gels, ConCordix enables combining water- and fat-soluble (omega 3) nutrients in the same Smart Chew while providing enhanced absorption of the EPA/DHA payload.”

Soaring gummy supplement market
Innova Market Insights reported that gummy supplement launches grew 54% from 2017 to 2022.

“ConCordix Smart Chews represent a supplementation system designed to deliver nutrition compared to conventional gummies,” explains Myers.

“Conventional gummies were never intended to deliver nutrients whereas ConCordix was specifically invented as a delivery system for nutrients – in particular omega 3.”

Myers adds that the new technology also addresses the concern of “fishy burps” after taking omega 3 fish oil supplements. “The patented emulsification process enables Vitux to have a zero reflux or fishy burp guarantee.”

Health benefits omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are essential nutrients for human health, urges Myers.

“Omega 3 fatty acids are so wide-ranging in the benefits, it is hard to encapsulate them all.”

Myers says that omega 3 essential fatty acids are related to cardiovascular, cognitive and immune function benefits.“Essential fatty acids are a part of every cell in our bodies, helping to keep the membranes that surround our cells flexible and functional. Omega 3 fatty acids are recognized as natural anti-inflammatory compounds which help keep our immune system functioning optimally.”

He adds that omega 3 fatty acids are essential in promoting optimal cardiovascular health, such as promoting healthy blood pressure, reducing cholesterol oxidation and lowering triglycerides.

“Omega 3 DHA is critical to the development and function of the nervous system. It is involved in promoting and maintaining cognitive health as we age and promoting bone health and joint function.”

Researchers found that omega 3 fatty acids may extend the life and length of telomeres. These ends of DNA strands shorten over time and parallel the aging process.

Optimal nutrition through supplements
Life Extension director of education Michael A. Smith, MD, states that consumers should take quality multivitamins, probiotics and omega 3s daily.

“If we could get more Americans on those three, we’d see dramatic improvements in people’s health.”

“But to get optimal nutrition, lifestyle choices, including food, often leave us short. Supplements fill that gap,” says Smith. “Rather than just meeting the standard RDA, we use optimal, clinically effective doses that help support health.”

“Although some people have no problem with fish oil soft gels, some do. Those who struggle with soft gels have told me they want to take fish oil supplements but can’t handle soft gels. They’re big, hard to swallow and can cause fishy burps. We needed an alternative delivery system.”

However, Smith notes that getting an optimal dosage and standardization in gummies is difficult without requiring consumers to take large quantities daily.

“There are a lot of cool nutrient combinations out there. But they don’t matter if you aren’t getting enough foundational nutrients,” he concludes. “More people need to take omegas daily. Some people take them sporadically. Others not at all.”

By Jolanda van Hal

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