Enzymotec launches new stability test for krill oil

Orly Farkash, marcom manager told NutraIngredients that test results are available in a week. “A certain marker is being added to a bulk system. Under accelerated conditions, that marker changes its concentration​,” she said.

Accelerated conditions are standardized conditions of heat, humidity and light, which mimics extended exposure of a product in normal conditions. It facilitates testing over a short period of time.

No further information was available about the nature of the marker.

Susceptibility to oxidation ​

Dr Eyal Afergan, the company’s director of nutrition process development added: "The simple test measures the krill​ oil complex’s susceptibility to oxidation and allows comparing between different sources of krill if necessary​."

The test has been designed to be used by anyone in the industry who buys raw krill and wants to ensure the material is of high quality.

Highlighting the quality of krill oil offers a significant market opportunity, according to Elzaphan Hotam, CEO of Enzymotec USA Inc. "As the krill oil market matures, we are confident that the issue of krill oil quality would make a significant impact for the consumers. They would appreciate vendors' pro-active approach to that,”​ she said.

Earlier this year, the company introduced tests for two chemicals produced by marine life which are responsible for what it describes as “the foul odour​” associated with some seafood.

Since January the company’s krill oil data sheets record levels of tri methyl amine (TMA) and total volatile nitrogen (TVN). TMA and TVN levels are generally accepted measures of seafood freshness.

Customer confidence​

Although EU Good manufacturing Practice (GMP) law, does not require companies to document TMA and TVN levels, Enzymotec said the disclosure would boost customer confidence across the sector. It urged other companies to provide similar information.

Enzymotec, which produces both pure krill oil and high potency krill oil, estimates the size of the global market at about $20m.

The company focuses on dietary supplements, infant nutrition and orthomolecular medicine with special emphasis on improving cognitive function and reducing cardio-vascular disease (CVD) risk.