Research demonstrates technology overcoming challenges in omega-3 segment

Published: 10-Nov-2022

Traditionally, omega-3 ingredient doses are large, mainly due to their poor absorption by the body. This in turn, makes compliance to such doses, very difficult for consumers

AquaCelle® formulators can now make smaller doses which increase compliance and tolerance – it’s easier to swallow a small capsule with no reflux problem once a day versus many large capsules several times a day.

The health benefits of omega-3 supplementation are widely recognised however challenges face the market:

  • Efficacy questions
  • Poor consumer compliance
  • High dropout due to reflux
  • Ecological concerns /sustainability
  • Quality issues due to commoditisation of market

Consumers are looking at mindful consumption choices. According to Innova Market Insights, "Mindful Choice" is the number 1 trend for consumers. In terms of omega-3, choosing a product which provides a better health outcome, and guarantees a more efficient use of a resource is a powerful ‘X-factor’. Reducing doses supports sustainability of resources and ecological concerns within the segment.

Pharmako Biotechnologies’ AquaCelle® is a patented delivery system for lipophilic actives like omega-3 oils, made in a TGA licensed facility, from food approved ingredients sourced to pharmacopeial standards. AquaCelle® is optimized for reduced excipient levels (as low as 15% for fish oil versus 40% for competitors), with higher bioavailability than competitors.

AquaCelle®-Omega-3 pharmacokinetic studies show improved absorption of omega-3s in blood plasma of six times. The study published in the European Journal of Nutrition1 demonstrated a 6x enhanced absorption and eliminated the “food effect” (the requirement for lipophilic actives to be taken with fatty food). Further studies have been conducted using AquaCelle® formulations for algal oil2, krill oil3, lutein4 and coenzyme-Q10 5.

AquaCelle® formulations have a unique ability to counter “fishy reflux” 3, a leading reason for consumer non-compliance.

Omega-3s are important nutrients from an anti-ageing perspective. AquaCelle®-Omega-3 formulations answer the challenges omega-3s face in the market.

Click here to LEARN MORE about AquaCelle®.

1 A self-emulsifying omega-3 ethyl ester formulations AquaCelle® significantly improves eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid bioavailability in healthy adults. Bremmell, K.E., Briskey, D., Meola, T.R. et al. Eur J Nutr 59, 2729–2737 (2020). doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-02118-x
2 The effect of dose and AquaCelle® on Omega-3 PUFAs absorbed from Algal Oil containing both EPA and DHA. Briskey D, Rao A (2021)
3 Analysis of AquaCelle® Krill Oil formulations versus various fish oil omega-3 results. Briskey D, Rao A (2020)
4 A study to evaluate the absorption of 3 (three) Lutein formulations on increasing plasma Lutein concentration and total availability in healthy participants over a 72 hour period. Briskey D, Mallard A, Rao A (2018)
5 The impact of micelle size and increased absorption of ubiquinone using a novel delivery system (AquaCelle®). David Briskey, Andrew T Sax, Alistair R Mallard, Charlie Ng and Amanda Rao. International Journal of Pharmacokinetics vol.4, no.2. doi.org/10.4155/ipk-2019-0004

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