Arjuna Launches One-Shot, High-Concentrate Omega-3

10.13.16

Ingredient sourced from sardines wild-caught off the west coast of India.

Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd., has launched a high-concentrate (90%) omega-3 PUFA ingredient produced with the latest technology for dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages.

Innova Market Insights has reported an increase in the use of omega-3 in brain health supplements in the U.S. market. In 2015, 18% of brain health supplement launches tracked contained an omega-3 as an ingredient, while in 2011 only 6.9% of brain health supplement contained this ingredient. The company identified the top five claims for omega-3 supplement launches tracked in Europe and the U.S. and found heart health leads with 60%, and brain-mood health follows with 43%.

A main challenge in providing the daily intake of omega-3 is ensuring that consumers get a high enough content of the nutraceutical. The old solution was to take multiple capsules or a hard-to-swallow “horse pills.” But consumers demand convenience and, of course, smaller, easy-to-swallow soft capsules.

“A larger quantity of softgels or capsules can lead to over consumption and overdoses of unnecessary additives just to achieve your daily-recommended dose of omega-3 PUFAs,” said Benny Antony, PhD, joint managing director for Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd. “We developed a high-concentrate omega-3 PUFA that enables daily intake in just one capsule or one liquid ‘shot’ per day.”

Addressing growing consumer and processor concerns about supplement purity, Mr. Antony added that, “More than ever, product makers are seeking a clean, clear omega-3 that leaves them free from anxieties about contamination.”

Fish oil is among the most concentrated sources of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Omega-3s have been found to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, plus ameliorate or help prevent dozens of health concerns.

While omega-3 fatty acids can be derived from various types of fish and other sources, sardines are particularly high in EPA and DHA, plus other nutrients found to support cardiovascular and other health issues.

“We examined a range of fish rich in omega-3 and selected a specific sardine type for our ingredient,” explained Mr. Antony. “With growing concern over the health of the seas, people are turning to sardines since they are at the bottom of the aquatic food chain, feeding solely on plankton. They have a shorter lifecycle than other fish, and accumulate fewer toxins during their lifecycle. Moreover, sardines live on the upper layer of the ocean, which is comparatively less polluted than the deeper waters. These characteristics reduce the chances of product contamination with ocean pollutants.”

“Consumers, especially Millennials, want to know where their omega-3 come from—they are justifiably concerned about traceability and supply chain control,” said Mr. Antony. “Arjuna ensures food safety and a pure, sustainable product via wild-caught sardines from the west coast of India, top safety procedures, plus a solar-powered system that provides 100% of the energy required to produce omega-3.”

Arjuna’s production processes and products meet market-specific regulations worldwide. A GMP-certified, SAP-driven company, Arjuna has achieved international certifications including ISO22000, Kosher and Halal. Arjuna continues to engage in research and development, with continuing scientific validation of its novel product line through advanced clinical studies.