The new randomized double-blind parallel-design study funded by the firm concluded that CET03 can deliver a 50% efficacy improvement in the omega-3 index when compared to a standard omega-3 fish oil , although further research is needed to confirm this.
From North Atlantic pelagic fish, CET03 contains high levels of omega-11—which stimulates the human body’s own production of EPA/DHA – as well as omega-3 EPA/DHA.
Henrik Traaholt, chief commercial officer at the young spin-off firm, explained that the goal with this ingredient is to help the broader omega-3 category grow at a time of problematic supply and sustainability.
“We knew we had to find new sources to support the omega-3 industry,” he told NutraIngredients. “We found in a human liver cell study in 2018 that cetoleic acid stimulates the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA, and this is the first time confirming the conversion of ALA in body cells that is enhanced by cetoleic acid acid.”
The new study, carried out by the firm’s consultant Mike Wakeman, a researcher from the University of Sunderland, and carried out in pharmacies in Derbyshire, UK, saw 30 participants between the ages of 20 and 70 years who randomly took 2 X 1 gram capsules of either CET03 (400 mg/day, 200 mg of DHA/EPA, n = 14) or fish oil (FOil; 600 mg/day, 300mg DHA/EPA n = 16 ) for 12 weeks.
At baseline, both groups showed comparable Omega-3 Index values (CET03: 4.96 ± 1.18%, fish oil: 5.55 ± 0.88%). Following completion of the intervention, the increase in Omega-3 Index was slightly higher in the CET03 group (5.73 ± 1.38%; p<0.00001) than in the fish oil group (6.24± 1.35%; p<0.0003).
“The study suggests that pro-rata, based on equivalent dosing of EPA and DHA, CET03 can increase n3 PUFA status more efficiently than fish oil and is therefore a credible equivalent alternative marine source of bioavailable n3 PUFA,” the report said.
Stig Jansson, the firm’s chief innovation officer, suggested the ingredient could be used in conjunction with other omega-3 oils but the concept would require consumer education.
“This substance unlocks the body’s ability to produce EPA and DHA, and it needs to be developed in science and communication,” he said.
18.5% increase in Omega-3 Index
Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study (t0), at 6 weeks (t6) and then again at the end of the test period at 12 weeks (t12) and sent for analysis to the OmegaQuant Lab at University of Stirling, UK.
The primary outcome of the study was the Omega-3 Index. The t-test was used to assess the significance of changes between the results of the t0 and t12 analyses. A statistical significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was used.
The Omega-3 index increased by 18.5% in the CET03 group compared to the fish oil group. Research also suggests that CET03 is less likely to lead to side effects.
“Four of the participants in the FOil Group, shortly after t0 withdrew from the study due to nausea and itching when taking the capsules,” the report said. “None of the participants taking the CET03 Group withdrew for this reason, so it appears that reflux and nausea commonly associated with fish oil are not experienced with CET03 consumption.”
In addition, one individual in the CET03 group reported “significant improvement in joint mobility” at the end of the trial; one notices subjective improvements in their skin; and another whose cholesterol levels were independently monitored by a health care professional reported a significant improvement in the status of this cardiovascular risk factor.
The study report notes some of its potential limitations. For example, none of the two groups were matched regarding age and/or BMI, and the small number of participants means the results cannot be extrapolated to a more general population.
“These results show that the effect of CET03 on increasing O3I over 12 weeks is comparable to FOil and suggest that CET03 may serve as a new marine source of EPA and DHA for cardioprotective, brain, joint and skin health,” the report concluded. “Further studies are needed to establish the kinetics of fatty acids in CET03 compared to FOil.
“Since CET03 typically contains 200 mg of EPA/DHA per 1000mg capsule compared to the 300 mg EPA/DHA in the fish oil capsules used in this trial, it would appear from the results of this pilot study , at a pro-rata equivalent dose , that CET03 can deliver a 50% improvement in [omega-3 index]. However, this observation needs to be confirmed in larger studies where the above limitations of this small study are better removed.”
Greenwood Biotech
CET03 is the first product launch from Grøntvedt Biotech, a one and a half year old Friend of the Sea certified spin-off from the Grøntvedt Group, which has worked with pelagic fish since 1830.
The company boasts a 30-minute process from fresh fish to oil and a production process that uses whole fish to ensure zero waste and a low carbon footprint.
Additional claimed benefits of the oil include the absence of a fishy odor or taste, or incidence of reflux.
Source: International Journal of Scientific ResearchThe
two: 10.36106/ijsr/6726896
“Equal efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) from CET03 and fish oil in increasing the omega-3 index: A 12-week randomized placebo controlled parallel study”
Author: M. Wakeman
