Novel cranberry seed oil attains Canadian good health claims approval

21 Jul 2017 --- Fruit d’Or Nutraceuticals has received a Natural Product Number (NPN) from Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), for its Cran d'Or cranberry seed oil. The oil is registered with an NPN claim as a “source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health. Source of antioxidants. Source of oleic acid.” Each tablespoon (15 ml) contains 34.8 percent ALA, 36.6 percent LA and 19.9 percent Oleic acid.

“This is a major breakthrough for culinary applications. Fruit d’Or is the first to extract the oil from the cranberry seed and earn this health claim of taking one tablespoon daily, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner, for the maintenance of good health,” says Stephen Lukawski, director of global sales and product development, Fruit d’Or Nutraceuticals. “Because Health Canada has recognized that our cranberry seed oil is safe for consumption, it does not have to be GRAS-approved.”

“No other fruit oil has this combination of omega 3, 6 and 9 in these high amounts,” Lukawski continues.

The company reports that the oil is suitable for use as a functional artisanal oil in dressings and oil blends, and can be added to chocolate to increase flavor and antioxidant levels.

Fruit d’Or cranberry seed oil is a rich source of vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols, as well as sterols. According to Lukawski, no chemicals are used in the company’s cold-pressed extraction method, which was developed to preserve the cranberry seed oil’s phospholipid content and its abundant natural antioxidants. 

Moreover, cranberry seed oil may protect and reestablish the protective lipid barrier of the skin, thanks to its fatty acid content of more than 95 percent. It has excellent oxidative stability, a pleasant odor and texture, as well as the ideal 1:1 ratio of omega 3 to omega 6. 

Due to its stability and the protective characteristics of its high vitamin E content, cranberry seed oil is an excellent ingredient for products requiring stabilizing, emulsifying and penetrating actions to enhance the fatty acids and other components within its health product composition, Lukawski says.

Fruit d’Or is currently working with nutraceutical and cosmetic companies to combine its cranberry seed oil with vitamins, chia and other trending ingredients. 

“We are welcoming all researchers and formulators to embrace cranberry seed oil by putting this superstar ingredient into their dietary supplements, blending it with vitamin D and other fatty oils such as CoQ10, selling it on its own, using it for skincare products or to complement other dietary oils such as those found in fish oil,” he says. 

Lukawski says the company is excited to further investigate the benefits of the beta sitosterol found in cranberry seed oil, which has been linked to prostate health. 

He also reconfirms the company’s farm-to-table advantages. 

“Fruit d’Or produces its own cranberries and cranberry concentrate so they can control the quality from farm to factory, seed to table. Having a one-stop shop prevents the possibility of adulteration and degradation while protecting the health and safety of consumers,” states Lukawski.

Speaking to NutritionInsight about the company's next launches, Lukawski says, “In 2017, we are launching new products with minerals that many are deficient in, for example, our clean label organic cranberry juice powder will have added magnesium and iron, available in convenient on-the-go stick packs, sashays and effervescence. The powder is low-calorie, has no added sugars or carriers and is water soluble so that it can be easily added to a glass of water or your favorite healthy beverage.”

“We will also be introducing organic cranberry protein powder with banana flour, called Cranbana. The powder will be a source of protein, potassium, vitamin A, fiber and nitrogen and is starch resistant. It can be mixed into smoothies, yogurt and formulated with nutrition bars. This organic cranberry protein powder with banana flour is gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, suitable for diabetics, helps with weight management and digestive health, and will be targeted toward women’s health,” Lukawski concludes.

by Lucy Gunn