Evonik Debuts High-Concentration Omega-3 Lysine Complex

10.03.17

Powder with high omega-3 fatty acid concentration offers high bioavailability; suitable for small, easy-to-swallow tablets.

Evonik has debuted AvailOm, a high-concentration omega-3 lysine complex that exhibits excellent bioavailability and stability, according to the company. As the highest load omega-3 powder with a minimum of 45% EPA and DHA by weight, it is designed to reduce the number of daily dosage forms. 

“With AvailOm, EPA and DHA are absorbed as free fatty acids; there is no need for enzymatic conversion. The bioavailability of our product is therefore three to five times higher than with traditional fish oil capsules containing liquid omega-3 ethyl esters,” said Dr. Ludger Eilers, responsible for Advanced Food Ingredients within Evonik’s Health Care Business Line. 

Conventional soft gel capsules are expensive to produce, and yet do little to protect their contents against aggressive gastric acid. This can lead to unpleasant fishy reflux. In contrast, the AvailOm powder can be efficiently pressed into compact tablets that are small and easy to swallow. When combined with one of Evonik’s EUDRAGUARD polymer coatings, it will also prevent fishy reflux, the company said. 

A single, small tablet made from AvailOm is equivalent to the same omega-3 fatty acid uptake as from two large fish oil capsules. As a result, it is a convenient way to meet health organizations’ recommendation of several hundred milligrams of EPA and DHA per day. 

The fish oil raw material used to create the high-quality omega-3 lysine complex is sourced from carefully selected suppliers. Furthermore, AvailOm is manufactured in Europe to high quality standards. The powder has proved to be extremely stable and easy to process in all tests. 

In addition to being cleared for sale in the U.S. (both NDI and GRAS), Evonik is pursuing registration in Europe and other markets. It is suitable as a stand-alone omega-3 tablet or capsule, or in combination with other ingredients, such as vitamins, to produce a variety of consumer-friendly, solid and powder dietary supplements. 

With the launch of AvailOm, Evonik continues to expand its portfolio of advanced food ingredients, which is one of six innovation growth fields where the enterprise is focusing its efforts. The portfolio includes naturally occurring ingredients with scientifically proven health benefits, as well as nutraceutical coating technologies that help ensure the health ingredients are released in the human body at the right time and location.