Epax has launched a new product that derives its benefits from cetoleic acid – an ingredient outside the traditional omega-3 category.

The marine lipid innovator specializes in high-purity, condition-specific EPA and DHA products for nutraceuticals. However, its new Epax® NovusLipid portfolio features less familiar ingredients.

The first product from the range is EPAX® Cetoleic 10, which contains cetoleic acid – an omega-11 marine lipid – and gondoic acid (omega-9). Rich in long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs), new Epax research indicates that it may have particular benefits for skin health.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot trial, skin redness was significantly reduced in subjects taking EPAX® Cetoleic 10. And although it contains less EPA and DHA than typical omega-3 products, another study has found that it can boost the omega-3 index.

Previous studies on animals have also indicated that fish oils rich in cetoleic acid can reduce inflammation and atherosclerosis¹ and help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.²

The Epax® NovusLipid range results from a concerted effort by Epax to research the potential of marine fatty acids beyond the omega-3 category. Further studies will explore the benefits of cetoleic-rich fish oil for people with eczema and its mechanisms of action in metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and fatty liver.

Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax, said: “Epax is a leader in super-pure, high-quality EPA and DHA but we’re also committed to exploring new ingredients. Our recent research has focused on marine lipids outside the omega-3 category, and one of the most exciting is cetoleic acid. EPAX® Cetoleic 10 is a great addition to the fish oil family, and the initial trial results on its benefits – particularly for skin health – are very promising. However, we’re still at the start of the journey – there’s still a huge amount to discover about the potential of cetoleic acid and other new marine lipid ingredients.”

EPAX® Cetoleic 10 is optimized for nutraceutical applications in categories such as skin health. It will be showcased in the New Products Zone at SupplySide West 2022 (2nd-3rd November in Las Vegas). Epax will exhibit at Booth #3831.

Notes

A scientific paper on EPAX® Cetoleic 10 is available on request.

¹Yang ZH, Emma-Okon B, Remaley AT. Dietary marine-derived long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease risk: a mini-review. Lipids Health Dis. Nov 22 2016;15(1):201.

²Yang ZH, Miyahara H, Mori T, Doisaki N, Hatanaka A. Beneficial effects of dietary fish-oil-derived monounsaturated fatty acids on metabolic syndrome risk factors and insulin resistance in mice. J Agric Food Chem. Jul 13 2011;59(13):7482-9.

About Epax

Part of Norwegian fishery giant Pelagia AS, Epax Norway AS is a leading manufacturer of concentrated marine oils.

Epax® has been an innovator for over 180 years. Since 1838, when it began producing premium quality cod liver oil, Epax has transformed the marine ingredients sector. It invented the technology to concentrate fish oil as an ethyl ester and re-esterify oils back to TG-form. It was also the first company to create condition-specific EPA/DHA ingredients backed by science. Today Epax ​ continues to deliver omega-3 products of unmatched purity and quality.

The Epax production facility in Aalesund, Norway, has, in addition to all standard manufacturing certifications/approvals, been approved by the US FDA for the manufacture of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and by the Norwegian Medicines Agency (Legemiddelverket) for the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).