Berry smoothie designed to make cod liver oil more palatable

Feliscity Nutrition, that was formed in 2019 says its new protein smoothie is a more desirable source of omega-3 than traditional supplements that can often cause an oily, fishy repetition for several hours after consumption.

Enhanced Omega-3 (EO3) combines berry flavours with fresh Norwegian cod liver oil, protein, vitamins and other immune-boosting nutrients minus the reflux and gas plus other associated side-effects associated with the more traditional gels. Using nano-dispersion technology, the smoothie encapsulates 1600 mg of 100% cod liver oil, 20 g of whey and collagen protein, vitamins D and E and immune boosting antioxidants.

Inventor of the EO3 formulation, Janne Karin Sande, says the drink offers a consistent dose of Norwegian cod liver oil, which is not the usual way omega-3 is delivered.

She has been working alongside scientists for more than 20 years designing products to make supplements more palatable. The smoothie came as a result of the difficulty she had getting her own children to take cod liver oil.

More palatable

She said: “Coming from Norway, omega-3 has always been a bi part of our lives even going back to having to swallow spoonfuls of cod liver oil and it really didn’t taste good. The idea came to me because I have three children and when they were very small it was very difficult to try and get them to take it, so I wanted to develop something palatable for everyone​.”

She says it was a long process where she worked with a great deal of scientists to try and create a cocktail so the product didn’t just have one health benefit.

“It matters what nutrients are brought together and I became more and more interested in the synergy rather than just delivering omega-3, I wanted more of a cocktail that brought more health value. Omega-3 and fatty acids sensitise cells in preparation for proteins so the body utilises the protein more when you have omega-3 present​.”

As well as the cod liver oil, whey, collagen protein, vitamins D and E, the smoothie also contains thymoquinone from black cumin oil and it has no added sugar or preservatives and is vegan.

“The drink has a high source of polyphenols from blackcurrant, apple and pear juice and there’s a good mix of tocopherols. The potent immune-boosting antioxidant – a phytochemical – is also in our EO3 drink​,” adds Janne.

She said that thymoquinone has been studied and is associated with many health properties, including immunity effects.

Dr Stuart Philips is a Professor at McMaster University, who has followed the development of the smoothie closely.

He says: “Unlike many omega-3 supplements, the omega-3 lipids in EO3 are not oxidised and are highly bioavailable, which means you get a more rapid and complete absorption of the desired nutrients. EO3 is scientifically formulated, great tasting and a combination of the highest-quality, pure omega-3, protein and nutrient compounds to help your body reach an optimal state of health​.”

A daily 8.4 fluid ounce serving of ready-to-drink EO3 promotes anti-inflammatory support, cardiovascular health, cognitive function and muscle function.

Since humans cannot produce omega-3, it is necessary to get fatty acids from the diet and taken this way, the fish oil is protected and integrated within the nano bond of protein. The stomach recognises it as food and absorbs it as such eliminating any reaction or reflux which means there is little chance of it repeating on consumers.

The technology​

The nano-dispersion technology breaks down the omega-3 oils into tiny nano-sized droplets that are encapsulated within protein bonds, making it easier for the body to recognise and absorb the complete package of nutrients.

A number of athletes are already taking the smoothie every day.

 “Currently, we have over 12 EPL and Champions League football teams using EO3, 10 NFL teams, six NBA teams and over 50 US colleges using it. We also have many Olympic athletes – from track and field to swimming – using EO3. They pay for it, just like everybody else, but the feedback we have had from both the athletes and those that work with them has been very, very good,” she says.  ​

This delivery format offers better dosing than gel capsules and Janne says this is to do with oxidisation.

She adds: “EO3 is aseptically packaged to assure absolute omega-3 freshness at the point of consumption, whereas a bottle of soft gel caps that is opened and exposed to air will turn rancid and can oxidise and lose its potency. The more rancid the fish oil is, the higher nasty side effects can be. Also, when fish oil reaches and mixes with the acid in the stomach, a reflux reaction can also occur​.”

The product is currently being launched in the UK and US.