Polaris announces DHA-rich algal oil now approved for EU sale
Previously only available outside Europe, Omegavie DHA 700 algae Sensory QualitySilver 5, now has European approval after being passed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland for all market segments.
“We’re proud to offer this innovative product to brands and contract manufacturers globally,” says Louis-Marie Martin, vice-president of sales and marketing at Polaris.
“Low in saturated fatty acids, and with an outstanding organoleptic profile, it is ideal for a wide range of applications.
“And thanks to its high DHA content, European customers will now be able to create new formulations and more highly concentrated finished products.”
Introduced back in November 2016, Omegavie DHA algae Qualitysilver 5, signifies Polaris’ and a general industry shift towards plant-based sources of omega-3 to meet a growing consumer demand.
Other players looking to tap into this interest include omega-3 specialists, Nordic Naturals, DSM and Swedish agribusiness start-up Simris.
These companies have made moves to replace unsustainable production methods with bio-based technologies using algae to develop environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and products.
Low saturated fat content
Polaris say its algal oil is sourced sustainably from microalgae cultivated in a highly controlled green environment and extracted without solvents.
The oil is then subjected to a purification process which increases the level of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids.
As a result, the product has very low saturated fatty acid content – around 5% compared to 30% or higher in other algal DHA oils.
As the name suggests the algal oil has a DHA content of 700 milligrams per gram (mg/g) - a value Polaris claim is higher than any other DHA algal oil in triglyceride form making the product one of the richest DHA sources on the market.
“Omegavie DHA 700 algae Sensory QualitySilver, represents a major step forward in the evolution of algal omega-3,” says Dominique Taret, CEO at Polaris.
“As a high quality, vegan, sustainable product with appealing sensory properties, it meets all the needs of today’s omega-3 consumers.
“However, what really sets it apart is its exceptionally high DHA content. We’re delighted that we’re now able to offer it in every global market.”
DHA bioavailability
While the firm look to alternative plant-based omega-3 sources, challenges still remain in adopting responsible ingredient sourcing as well as refining sustainable production and purification methods.
One sticking point is the sizeable price difference between marine and plant-based sources although growing popularity of the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle would likely see prices even out.
Another challenge is the claimed superior bioavailability in DHA extracted from fish. However, Polaris say one 250 milligram (mg) dose of the Omegavie DHA algae Qualitysilver 5, meets four health claims set out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that contribute to the maintenance of vision and brain function.
These generic health claims also include benefits extended to maternal intake, contributing to eye and brain development in breastfed children and the developing foetus.
Omegavie DHA 700 algae Sensory QualitySilver is now available for omega-3 applications that include dietary supplements, dairy and infant nutrition.
