Omega 11: Grøntvedt Biotech launches CETO3 for omega 3 and cetoleic acid product

13 Feb 2023 --- Grøntvedt Biotech has launched CETO3 for its cetoleic acid and omega 3 ingredient. Also known as “omega 11,” cetoleic acid has been studied for its ability to convert the plant-based omega 3 alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in liver cells. The product sourced from Norwegian herring is finding applications in the heart and skin health arenas.

HenrikTraaholt, chief commercial officer at Grøntvedt Biotech, tells NutritionInsight, that CETO3 meets “a growing demand for marine omega 3 sources.” The product has “unique sensory qualities and a 100% traceable & sustainable source.”

He adds that “we are focusing now on our global rollout and helping our customers launch with science and marketing inputs.”

“As we control the raw material, we are able to guarantee the supply and quality of the products.” 

Scientific support for cetoleic acid 
North Atlantic fish oils generally hold moderate amounts of healthy fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been linked to various health benefits, such as sleep quality, chronic pain relief and modulating the immune response during pregnancy. 

“This is bringing something new to the omega 3 space as cetoleic acid stimulates the body’s own internal production of EPA/DHA, which have optimal utilization and uptake,” explains Traaholt. Grøntvedt Biotech has launched the brand CETO3 for its cetoleic acid and omega 3 ingredient.

A study financed by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund showed that in human liver cells, cetoleic acid stimulated the conversion of ALA, a plant-based omega 3 fatty acid found in foods like chia seeds, into the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Production of EPA and DHA was increased by 40%. 

Cetoleic acid, also known as omega 11, “is only found in North Atlantic pelagic fish species,” says Traaholt.  

To support the launch of CETO3, Grøntvedt Biotech is working on a scientific program and will communicate its clinical data once it is published, explains Traaholt.  

“The Norwegian Research fund is financing seven clinical studies on cetoleic acid. So there will be much scientific data in the years to come.”

Branded ingredient 
“Immediate processing (30 min from fresh fish to oil) at our plant at Uthaug in Norway enables us to make CETO3, a high cetoleic acid and omega 3 product, with no fishy smell, taste or unpleasant reflux,” according to Traaholt.

Because of these sensory qualities, “CETO3 can be used in capsules and liquid formulations for nutraceuticals but also as a functional ingredient in food and beauty from within.” 

He adds that the “high levels of cetoleic acid enable our product to support many market developments within health benefits, such as cardiovascular health but also skin health.”

The company aims to scale up its production and bring the product to the global market in both liquid and capsule forms.  

The company is also investing in a new production facility to produce CETO3 “in a novel way.” 

Grøntvedt Biotech previously showcased the herring-based cetoleic acid and omega 3 oil at SupplySide West, Las Vegas, US. 

Sustainable sourcing “Cetoleic acid has been proven to boost the body’s production of EPA/DHA,” says Traaholt. 
CETO3 is produced from Norwegian herring, which is “well regulated by the Norwegian authorities and is caught under Norwegian licenses in the North Atlantic,” says Traaholt. 

To ensure the sustainability of pelagic fish caught in Norwegian waters, “all fish supplied to our plant in Uthaug is controlled for age, measured and weighed and reported to Sildesalgslaget [Norwegian Fishermen’s Sales Organization for Pelagic Fish].”

He adds that ocean pollutants do not adversely affect the species, as “herring swim neither near the surface nor the bottom of the sea.”

“At Grøntvedt, we utilize the whole fish for food and feed; nothing goes to waste.” 

The company is also marine trust and MSC certified and says it uses a low carbon footprint plant. 

By Jolanda van Hal