Digging deeper

The omega-3 fatty acids ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are considered “essential fatty acids” by the global scientific community.† This is for two reasons: (1) they are utilized throughout the body in many biological processes, and (2) your body can’t readily create them on its own. You must get them through your diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found throughout the body and are fundamental to its operation. They’re found in the membranes of your cells, the walls of your arteries and blood vessels, and even your eyes. Recent research indicates that omega-3s are also important contributors to brain health as well.

EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. DHA is especially critical during the period of rapid brain development between conception and a child’s second birthday.

Half of your brain is built from a combination of protein, carbohydrates, salts, and water. Fats account for the other 50% of your brain mass. About 10% to 20% of that fat, or 5% to 10% of the total mass, is DHA. DHA is utilized in the membranes of your brain’s neurons and is involved in the regulation of electrical impulses used to communicate within your brain and nervous system.

From conception to a child’s second birthday, roughly 1,000 days, is the period when a child’s brain experiences the most rapid development. Having a ready supply of DHA is critical during this period.  When women are pregnant, the development of the fetal brain requires a continual supply of DHA from the mother, with demand being highest during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that pregnant and lactating women consume 200 mg of DHA per day. After birth, they recommend that infants 0 to 6 months old consume an amount of DHA equivalent to 0.10% to 0.18% of their daily energy input, and from 6 months to 2 years, 10 to 12 mg per kilogram of weight per day.

But the brain doesn’t stop developing after birth, and neither does DHA’s importance to the developing brain. There is some evidence that a mother’s blood levels of DHA during pregnancy impact a child’s cognitive development through the first years of life. More recent studies found that 2 to 6 year old children who had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as higher levels of DHA specifically, performed better on evaluations of executive function.

COGNITION. Even into adulthood and old age, supplementation with DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids appears to benefit cognitive structure and function.

There is mounting evidence that consuming high levels of omega-3s has a measurable effect on the function and structure of the brain. A study published in Neurology found that middle-aged people with higher blood levels of DHA and EPA performed better on measures of abstract reasoning, and had larger hippocampuses—the region of the brain associated with spatial memory and converting short-term memories to long-term memories.

There is some indication that omega-3 supplementation has a positive impact on memory loss related to aging. For those who are suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD), which impacts blood flow to the brain and accelerates cognitive decline, research suggests that omega-3s can help protect brain function. A 2021 study found that providing high doses of DHA and EPA to people with CAD “had significantly better cognitive function scores for verbal fluency, language, and memory and… visual-motor coordination” over a period of two and a half years.

MENTAL HEALTH. Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplements can reduce the symptoms of depression, but contradicting studies have found otherwise.

Given the role of omega-3s in brain development and structure, it’s unsurprising that researchers have studied whether DHA and EPA have an impact on depression and other mood disorders. The research conducted thus far presents a complicated picture.

One study found that those who took an antidepressant and an omega-3 supplement had “significantly higher improvement in depressive symptoms” than those who only took an antidepressant or omega-3 supplement.  On the other hand, a large-scale clinical trial published in JAMA found that a supplement containing DHA and EPA didn’t reduce depression symptoms.

Meanwhile, an analysis of 26 studies presents a more nuanced picture. The analysis found that supplements that were 60% or more EPA delivered measurable improvements in symptoms, while supplements that were 60% or more DHA resulted in no improvements in participants’ depression.

There have been studies conducted on the effectiveness of omega-3s in reducing negative symptoms related to bipolar disorder, but results have been mixed. A study examining the use of omega-3 supplementation to reduce behaviors associated with ADHD showed no evidence of effectiveness, but another study suggested that long-term supplementation could improve ADHD symptoms.

Brain health studies typically utilize high doses of omega-3s, and omega-3s are not recommended as a treatment for any disease or condition.

Research studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on brain health tend to use very high doses of DHA and/or EPA. In the clinical studies and meta-analyses linked in this article where study participants were provided with supplements, the combined daily dosage of DHA and EPA ranged from 500mg to 3,000mg per day, while most supplements have a daily dosage of 300 to 600mg of DHA and EPA.

The high dosages used in studies may be necessary to achieve any potential brain health benefit. In a study examining the relationship between blood levels and brain levels of DHA, daily DHA supplementation of 2,152mg per day increased blood levels by 200% after six months, while levels in cerebrospinal fluid rose by only 28%.

The preliminary nature of much of the research into associations between omega-3s and brain health, as well as the high dosages necessary to increase omega-3 levels in the brain, highlight the necessity of consulting with a health or medical professional before trying an omega-3 supplement for brain health reasons.

While it is recognized that omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients and benefit human health, they are not indicated as a treatment for any brain disease or disorder. This article is intended solely as an overview of research on the potential benefits of omega-3s for brain health.

Nufarm Partners with KD Nutra on Plant-Based Omega-3 Portfolio Expansion

West Sacramento, California. Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF) is partnering with KD Nutra, a division of The KD Pharma Group, to expand offerings of plant-based long-chain omega-3 ingredients. This partnership allows both companies to leverage their expertise to offer the market new sources of omega-3 beyond marine sources and tap into the rapidly growing demand for alternatives.

Nufarm is a global leader in developing agricultural solutions to environmental challenges. Our Omega-3 Canola is the world’s first plant-based source of total omega-3 nutrition. Aquaterra® and Nutriterra® are derived from the seed oil and provide alternatives to marine-sourced omega-3 ingredients while delivering all the health benefits that come with this science-backed nutrient.

“Our combined technologies and capabilities have great potential for human health,” said Brent Zacharias, Nufarm, Group Executive for Seed Technologies. “KD Nutra’s technical expertise and commitment to quality can deliver our plant-based innovations to a broader audience.”

“We’re excited to partner with Nufarm to expand our plant-based omega-3 offerings,” said Kimberly Smith, CEO of KD Nutra. “Nufarm’s innovation in plant-based nutrition together with KD Nutra’s technology platform and leadership in omega-3 will allow us to bring unique and renewable solutions to the industry.”

This research and development partnership will increase access to omega-3 nutrition for the long-term health of people and the planet.

About Nufarm

Nufarm is a global agricultural innovator providing crop protection and seed technology solutions to help our customers grow a better tomorrow. Established over 100 years ago, Nufarm is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:NUF) with its head office in Melbourne, Australia.  Nufarm is the first company to develop and commercialise plant-based omega-3 and has developed and commercialized advanced bioenergy feedstock technology. Learn more at: www.nufarm.com.au.

Nufarm’s seed technologies platform is focused on enabling the transformation of key crops into renewable and traceable sources of lower-carbon energy, and plant-based nutrition. Its proprietary solutions contribute to solving global challenges like food security, human nutrition, and climate change. Nutriterra® is designed for human nutrition from our Omega-3 Canola, the world’s first plant-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Nutriterra provides a sustainable land-based oil supply, helping reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and closing the gap between how much omega-3 is needed to support human health and how little the ocean can provide. Learn more at nutriterraomega3.com.

About KD Nutra®

KD Nutra® is a technology-driven CDMO with leading expertise in ultra-potent marine-based and algae-based Omega-3 nutritional lipids as well as Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs).

As part of the KD Pharma Group, KD Nutra® has become one of the world’s largest Omega-3 and fish oil refiners and suppliers.

Our processing systems can manufacture any desired combination of concentration level (up to 99%) and EPA/DHA Omega-3 ratio. Additionally, our kd-pür® supercritical CO₂ patented process gently extracts and purifies Omega-3s in a pharmaceutical cGMP-certified facility, without the use of excessive heat, chemical solvents (green technology) or oxygen. Through our unique vertical integration from raw oils to ultra-high potency Omega-3 EPA and DHA concentrates from both vegan and marine sources, we create health solutions for our customers.

Contacts:

Nufarm Nutritional: Katrina Benedicto, Communications Director

+1 (530) 490-1038,  katrina.benedicto@nuseed.com
‍

Nufarm Global: Rhonda Macdonald, Global Lead, Communications & External Relations
+1 (403) 660-0717, rhonda.macdonald@nuseed.com

Nufarm Investor Relations: Grant Saligari, +61 406 402 645, grant.saligari@nufarm.com

80 years ago, British researchers studying the Inuits of Greenland found that despite having diets that were extremely high in protein—with much of their food being sourced from the seals, fish, and other sea life they hunted and caught—there was “no evidence that the high-protein diet cause[d] any ill-health.” In fact, repeated studies found, “an almost total absence of cardiovascular-renal diseases in the population.”

It was this seemingly contradictory observation that led generations of researchers down the path towards delineating the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, and potential benefits to heart health. Hundreds of studies on the subject have been conducted, many of them finding a correlation between high levels of DHA and EPA in the diet and better baseline heart health—such as reduced blood pressure and heart rate—as well as reduced incidence of diseases relating to poor heart health.

However, there are still many questions as to what these benefits are, and what the mechanisms are by which omega-3s appear to support healthy cardiovascular function. This article gives a brief overview of recent research into omega-3 fatty acids and whether they contribute to heart health, and if so, how.

Studies have found that high DHA levels strongly correlate with reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

An analysis of more than 160,000 people published in 2024 by the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal found that the 1/5th of people who had the highest blood levels of the omega-3 DHA, compared to the 1/5th with the lowest levels, had a lower risk of dying from a variety of causes over a roughly 14-year study period. The largest decline in mortality risk was for deaths resulting from cardiovascular disease. Those with the highest DHA levels were 21% less likely to die from heart disease.

A smaller American study of 2,700 American participants conducted in the early 2010s had similar results. High levels of DHA were associated with a 20% lower risk of death, and high levels of omega-3s were associated with a 27% lower mortality risk. According to the study authors, “Lower risk was largely attributable to fewer cardiovascular than noncardiovascular deaths.” When comparing years lived after the age of 65, those with the highest levels of omega-3s lived 2.2 more years than those with the lowest levels. Meanwhile, a study of 2,500 participants in the Framingham Heart Study found that those with the highest blood levels of omega-3s had a 39% lower likelihood of suffering from cardiovascular disease.

The potential benefit of omega-3s does vary from study to study. For instance, a 2017 study found only a relatively modest 8% reduction in the likelihood of cardiac death in those who took DHA and EPA. Perhaps that analysis did note that those who took more than 1 gram per day of combined DHA and EPA had a 29% lower likelihood of cardiac-related death. Given the variability between studies, as well as the publication of studies which have found no cardiovascular benefits from omega-3s, researchers are starting to pay more attention to how much DHA and EPA people are taking, and how that correlates with heart health outcomes.

Higher omega-3 levels appear to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiac death.

A 2020 study, “Effect of Omega-3 Dosage on Cardiovascular Outcomes: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Interventional Trials,” looked for relationships between the dosages of DHA and EPA that people took and their risk of negative health conditions.

Based on data from 40 clinical trials with more than 135,000 participants, the analysis found that DHA and EPA intake were associated with a:

• 35% reduced risk of fatal heart attack
• 13% reduced risk of heart attack
• 10% reduced risk of coronary heart disease
• 9% reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease

The analysis was then taken a step further, with daily dosages ranging from 400 mg to 5.5 grams of DHA and EPA being correlated against likelihood of negative cardiovascular events. It was found that for each additional gram taken per day, the risk of cardiovascular disease events (heart attack, angina, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, sudden death, and non-scheduled cardiovascular surgical interventions) was reduced by 5.8%, and the risk of heart attack was reduced by 9.0%. The potential heart health benefit of omega-3s appeared to stack—the more taken by study participants, the better.

The study’s authors were careful to look for other variables that could account for the results, including whether the studies used DHA and EPA or EPA only, how variations in participants’ baseline risk of heart conditions affected outcomes, and when the studies were published. The study authors found no indication that supplementation of a single omega-3 correlated with better outcomes, versus taking DHA and EPA. They did not find evidence that EPA alone was more or less effective than DHA plus EPA, and that the years of publication did not correlate with the magnitudes of the effects measured.

How DHA and EPA potentially support heart health appears to be multi-factor in nature—that is, they may modestly benefit multiple biological functions, with these resulting in a sizeable overall benefit.

In the 2024 Mayo Clinic Proceedings omega-3 analysis, the authors offered several rationales for why DHA may benefit heart health and reduce the incidence of cardiac death (all specifics directly sourced from the study):

• Blood pressure and heart rate reduction: Lower blood pressure and resting heart rates are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Studies cited by the authors found that 3 grams of combined DHA and EPA per day lower systolic blood pressure by about 4.5 mm Hg in those with high blood pressure, and 2 mm Hg in people with normal blood pressure, and decreases resting heart rate by about 5 beats per minute. Even modest improvements can have significant impacts on heart health. A 2015 analysis published in The Lancet found that for every 10mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, the risk of various heart conditions was reduced by roughly 15% to 30%.
• Vagal tone improvement: People with higher vagal tone—a measure of the vagus nerve’s activity, which regulates a variety of cardiac functions—tend to have a lower risk of cardiovascular and overall mortality. Studies cited by the authors indicated that DHA and EPA supplementation have been shown to improve vagal tone.
• Reduction in rate of telomere shortening: Per the authors, telomere shortening at advanced rates is associated with cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders. Blood levels of DHA and EPA have been shown to predict the rate at which telomeres shorten, and DHA and EPA have been shown to lengthen telomeres.

Identifying the potential benefit of omega-3s for heart health likely requires an accounting of the dosage, as well as the population being studied and the types of heart conditions in question.

A 2024 review of various studies that attempted to make sense of sometimes contradictory and confusing research, “Omega-3 fatty acids in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases,” identified several factors that could be in play:

• Variability of dosing of DHA and EPA, and ratio of DHA versus EPA in each studied supplement, as noted above.
• Differences in baseline diets in different populations—studies of Italian and Japanese populations, which tend to consume more fish and have higher omega-3 levels, have found weaker or no benefits from omega-3 supplementation.
• Type of cardiac outcome being studied—reductions in the risk of fatal heart attacks and fatal coronary heart disease events tend to plateau quickly as dosage increases, while reductions in the risk of nonfatal heart attacks and other heart events tend to continue to scale with larger dosages of DHA and EPA.
• Differences in dosing versus actual blood levels—individuals can be more or less responsive to DHA and EPA supplementation, and some people may require higher dosages to achieve an omega-3 index that delivers a meaningful benefit.

Other studies have hinted at just how complex the relationship between omega-3s and heart health may be. A 2024 analysis, “Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Sex and Racial Differences in Cardiovascular Outcomes and Cognitive Function,” reviewed data from 24 studies comprising more than 700,000 participants, looking for differences in outcome correlating with gender and/or race. A few highlights:

• In one American study of nearly 26,000 people, men had a 28% lower risk of suffering a heart attack when supplemented with 860 mg of DHA and EPA. Women didn’t show such a statistically significant reduction.
• In the same study, African-American participants had a 77% reduction in the risk of heart attacks, while people of other races derived no benefit.
• In a Chinese study, Asian women in the top 1/5^th of fish consumption had a 22% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death versus those in the bottom 1/5th, while Asian men showed no such benefit.
• In the American Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, after 10 years, men with the highest blood levels of EPA had an atherosclerosis risk reduction of 42%, while women had a risk reduction of 61%.

As the above should make obvious, there is a tremendous amount of variation in the results of research into associations between omega-3s and heart health. These may be based on dosage, diet versus supplementation, use of DHA and EPA versus DHA versus EPA, the national and racial backgrounds of those being studied, statistical noise, and other variables which have not yet been identified. Given the many variables at play, and the still preliminary nature of much of the omega-3 research being conducted, you should consult with a health or medical professional before trying an omega-3 supplement for heart health reasons.

This article is intended solely as an overview of research on the potential benefits of omega-3s for heart health, and health claims about DHA and EPA are narrowly delimited by the FDA.

While it is recognized that omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients and benefit human health, they are not indicated as a treatment for any heart disease or disorder. This article is intended solely as an overview of research on the potential benefits of omega-3s for heart health. As of 2024, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration does not object to certain qualified health claims (QHCs) about the use of DHA and EPA. For more information, please refer to the FDA’s websites for the QHCs they announced in 2004 (see here and here) and 2019.

Nutriterra Total Omega-3 Gummies Supplement Facts Panel

Our Total Omega-3 sample gummies are made using Nutriterra Total Omega-3 Canola oil and Vitamin D₃.

Nutriterra is the world’s first true plant-based source of DHA and EPA omega-3s, and is grown and pressed in the USA. Nutriterra is traceable from soil to oil. American canola growers are securing a new supply chain of omega-3 nutrition that has impacted production of food and supplements around the world. At a time when consumers are increasingly deficient in this important nutrient that supports heart health, brain health, eye health, and whole-body health, developing new sources of omega-3 nutrition has never been more necessary.

We chose to pair Nutriterra with Vitamin D₃ in these gummies because, like omega-3s, it is also difficult to source for plant-based consumers. It is usually sourced from sheep’s wool, so this pairing is about meeting frequently unmet nutritional needs.

We hope that you enjoy our Total Omega-3 gummies, and enjoy good health for years to come.

• Lot: 80012
• Production Date: June 2024
• Sample not for resale

To learn how Nutriterra can improve the health benefits of your products and the bottom line of your business, or just to get added to our mailing list, fill out our contact form!

Nutriterra Total Omega-3 Oil Nutrition Facts Panel

• Lot: D522.K22.RBD
• Production Date: November 2022
• Sample not for resale

1 gram of Nutriterra Total Omega-3 Oil contains:

• 283 mg omega-3 fatty acids
• 62 mg of DHA per serving
• 4 mg of EPA per serving
• 175 mg ALA per serving

The human body is adept at not only processing and using the nutrients you consume, but also converting those nutrients into other types of nutrients as needed. For instance, your body can take carbohydrates and convert them into glucose (a type of sugar) as an immediate source of energy, or into glycogen (another type of sugar) or fat to store for later use.

The body is especially good at converting nutrients into various types of fatty acids, which are the basic building blocks of fats. However, there are a few cases where the body can’t make essential nutrients, but must instead get them directly from food.

Three of the essential nutrients the body must take in through food are the omega-3 fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Omega-3 fatty acids play critical roles throughout the body. They’re used to build cell membranes, including in the brain. Recent studies have found that people with higher blood levels of omega-3 tend to have better brain structure and cognitive function.

Omega-3s also help regulate inflammatory processes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, omega-3s appear to assist in regulating heart rate and preventing arrhythmias—which cause the majority of the 500,000+ cardiac-related deaths that occur every year in the United States—while also lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

It’s important for your body to get omega-3s, and it ­must get them from what you eat. ALA is relatively easy to get, as it’s found in widely used plant oils (canola, soy, flaxseed), as well as a variety of plants and the fats of grass-fed animals. However, DHA and EPA are another story.

Ocean microalgae are the sole conventional producers of DHA and EPA.

While there are a variety of marine organisms that are sources of DHA and EPA, only one type of organism synthesizes them in the first place: microalgae.

EPA is produced by a few species of autotrophic microalgae. “Autotrophic” means that they create their own nutrients using only light, via photosynthesis, in combination with free-floating elements in the water around them, such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. These algae form the very bottom of the ocean food chain. The main producers of EPA are the species Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nannochloropsis oceanica, and Dunaliella salina.

DHA is produced by certain heterotrophic microalgae. These are algae which generate nutrients partially or entirely without photosynthesis, enabling some species to grow in ocean depths where light doesn’t reach. The primary producers of DHA are microalgae which don’t utilize photosynthesis at all, instead using sugars and other organic material around them to produce nutrients. These include Schizochytrium, Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium, and Crypthecodinium cohnii.

DHA and EPA are found in fish and krill which directly consume these microalgae, as well as the fish which then consume them.

You’ve probably heard warnings about how certain people should moderate their fish consumption due to mercury and plastic contamination. This occurs because organisms in oceanwater contaminated with mercury or plastic absorb or ingest them. Those organisms are then eaten by small fish, which are then eaten by larger fish. These contaminants are concentrated in the body tissues of fish and other animals high in the food chain through a process called “bioaccumulation.” When you eat a fish, you’re eating the sum of every link in the food chain leading up to it.

Bioaccumulation applies to nutrients as well. The accumulation and concentration of beneficial nutrients, including DHA and EPA, occurs the same way. A variety of small fish and krill (small ocean crustaceans) eat DHA- and EPA-producing microalgae, and are then eaten in turn by larger fish, transporting increasingly concentrated DHA and EPA up the ocean food chain.

People typically consume omega-3s by eating fish, or by consuming supplements made using microalgae, krill, or fish.

Just about every water-dwelling organism accumulates DHA and EPA in their body tissues because of the foundational role of microalgae in ocean, river and lake food chains. However, the amount varies by species and location.

The most commonly consumed fish in North America that accumulates large amounts of DHA and EPA is salmon. Other oily or fatty fish such as trout, tuna, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and herring are also rich in DHA and EPA. For people who eat the 2-3 servings of fish per week that the FDA advises children and expecting women to eat, they likely get sufficient amounts of DHA and EPA in their diet.

For those who don’t consume sufficient fish, there are a variety of omega-3 supplements on the market which use oils derived from oily fish, krill, or microalgae to deliver omega-3 nutrition. However, many people don’t take omega-3 supplements because they object to the “fishy” taste, are concerned about the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and plastics in the ingredients oils are sourced from, or they’re allergic to fish.

Nutriterra is the world’s first plant-based DHA and EPA oil.

In a collaboration between Nufarm and researchers at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), an Australian government agency that conducts scientific research, the omega-3 building attributes of microalgae were integrated into canola, creating Nufarm Omega-3 Canola, which is used to produce Nutriterra, a canola oil containing DHA, EPA, and ALA.

It’s no longer necessary to harvest millions of tons of fish out of global fish stocks—which are fished at capacity according to the UN FAO—to deliver omega-3 nutrition in supplements or fortified foods. Nutriterra represents a uniquely sustainable and ethical source of DHA and EPA well-suited for consumers who can’t or would prefer not to eat fish or take marine-based supplements.

Data from a study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A in March 2024, “Association of plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and the prevalence of frailty in older adults: a cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank,” suggests that omega-3 consumption may be associated with reduced risk of frailty in older adults.

The study examined nearly 19,000 senior citizens in the United Kingdom, cross-referencing how often the symptoms of frailty—weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, low grip strength and slow walking pace—occurred with their blood levels of omega-3s. Researchers found that blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids were inversely correlated with the likelihood of frailty. That is, the higher someone’s omega-3 blood levels were, the less likely they were to be frail.

The study also found that consumption of oily fish and fish oil supplements both corresponded with a lower frequency of symptoms of frailty.

When looking at eating and supplementation behaviors, after accounting for age, sex, ethnicity, whether subjects smoked or drank, body mass index, and other variables, the study found that both consumption of oily fish and the use of omega-3 supplements were associated with reduced risk of frailty.

After accounting for the variables mentioned above, those who took any amount of fish oil supplements were 28% less likely to be frail. In addition, the study found that the more oily fish subjects consumed, the less likely they were to be frail. Compared with those who never ate fish, subjects who ate fewer than one serving per week were 21% less likely to be frail. Those who ate oily fish two or more times per week were 41% less likely to be frail.

It should be noted that the study was strictly focused on identifying positive associations between the occurrence of frailty symptoms and omega-3 consumption and blood levels. The study did not test the use of a fish-based diet or omega-3 supplementation as a means of treating frailty. However, the study’s findings do suggest that further research is warranted.

Despite the potential health benefits of omega-3s, most people have little or no omega-3 fatty acids in their diets.

While the critical role that omega-3s play in brain health has been long recognized, it’s becoming increasingly clear that omega-3s play an important role in whole-body health. But 80% of the world’s population is consuming very little omega-3!

Food and supplement manufacturers have an opportunity to help meet the nutritional needs of an untapped consumer base. For consumers who don’t like eating fish or the taste of fish oil supplements, Nutriterra DHA Omega-3 Canola oil is the perfect solution, whether as a standalone supplement or an ingredient in an existing product. Nutriterra is the world’s first plant-based source of complete omega-3 nutrition, including DHA, EPA, and ALA. Nutriterra is a convenient, healthy, and fish-free way for consumers to enjoy the benefits of omega-3 nutrition.

May 10, 2024

West Sacramento, California. Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF) selected Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients (MIFI) as a distributor for Nutriterra® DHA Canola Oil. This affiliation will increase access to the world’s first plant-based source of total omega-3 oil, which can be formulated into functional foods and is also FDA approved as a New Dietary Ingredient for use in dietary supplements.

Mark Smith, Nufarm Nutritional’s nutraceutical lead, says “MIFI has a history of delivering unique branded ingredients like Nutriterra® into blockbuster products.” MIFI demonstrated the ability to maintain quality control and provide logistics support and customer service in line with Nufarm Nutritional’s values.

While omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their role in maintaining overall health, fewer than 10% of Americans consume enough of these essential nutrients. Mr. Smith attributes this to the sensory experiences and ocean health concerns associated with fish oil. He says, “Our proprietary research indicates that 64% of consumers prefer a plant-based omega-3 when presented an alternative to marine oils. Nutriterra offers a mild flavor and is Friend of the Sea® certified, so consumers can meet their nutritional needs without compromising their taste or values.”

Nutriterra is well aligned with MIFI’s strategic initiative of delivering ingredients that foster innovation and market leadership. Nutriterra has a unique DHA, EPA, and ALA omega-3 profile with a mild taste profile that appeals to plant-based, health conscious, and sustainably motivated consumers. In addition to availability within MIFI’s food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical divisions, Nutriterra® is also relevant to their beauty and pet businesses.

About Nufarm Nutritional and Nutriterra^®

Nufarm Nutritional is nourishing the world in a safe and sustainable way by developing the supply chain and opening new markets for products derived from Nufarm's advanced biotechnologies. Nutriterra is derived from Nufarm Omega-3 Canola, the world’s first plant-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The oil has been developed for human nutrition to close the gap between how much omega-3 is needed to support human health and how little the ocean can provide. More information is available at nutriterraomega3.com.

Further information:

Katrina Benedicto

Marketing & Communications Director, Omega-3
katrina.benedicto@nuseed.com
+ 1 530 490 1038

Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients from birth through old age, but consuming adequate amounts of omega-3s, DHA in particular, is especially important during pregnancy.

Research has shown that consuming at least 200 mg of DHA per week (1-2 servings of seafood totaling 8-12 ounces) is associated with fetal brain and eye development during and after pregnancy, and a reduced risk of preterm birth.*

Unfortunately, new research shows that two-thirds of pregnant women aren’t consuming enough DHA.

The study, “Demographic and health characteristics associated with fish and n-3 fatty acid supplement intake during pregnancy: results from pregnancy cohorts in the ECHO programme,” published in Public Health Nutrition in February 2024, summarizes surveys of 10,800 American women who were pregnant between 1999 and 2020.

The study found that nearly 25% of the women surveyed consumed no fish whatsoever during pregnancy, and another 40% consumed less than 1 serving per week. Both groups, totaling 65%, consumed less than the 1-2 servings per week necessary to achieve the recommended 200 mg per week of DHA.

While supplements offer an alternative way of delivering omega-3 nutrition, the study found that the use of omega-3 supplements was rare. Only 16% of those surveyed took omega-3 supplements. Supplements were most often taken by women who consumed the most fish, while those who consumed less fish and had higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with smoking or high BMI were less likely to take supplements.

Alternative sources of omega-3 nutrition need to be made available to pregnant women.

There is a wealth of information that women can refer to for guidance on maintaining proper nutrition during pregnancy. The fact that 25% of women aren’t consuming any fish during pregnancy, and another 40% aren’t consuming enough fish indicates that information about omega-3 nutrition is getting lost in the noise.

In addition, the study’s authors note that “studies suggest that fish and [omega-3] intake during pregnancy has been declining over past decades, likely in response to federal advisories about mercury in fish since 2001.” The twin threats of undereducation and fears of mercury exposure make it clear that women need access to alternative, non-fish-based sources of omega-3 nutrition, such as Nutriterra DHA Omega-3 Canola oil.

Nutriterra is the world’s first plant-based source of complete omega-3 nutrition, including DHA, EPA, and ALA, with none of the potential mercury contamination of consuming fish, or the flavors associated with fish oil and other traditional omega-3 supplements. For pregnant women who need to increase their omega-3 intake, but who worry about mercury toxicity or simply don’t enjoy the taste of fish, Nutriterra is an ideal solution.

In April 2024, the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a peer-reviewed journal dating back nearly a century, published the study, “Circulating Docosahexaenoic Acid and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality.” The study examined health data from 160,404 people in the United Kingdom and elsewhere who had data gathered on their health characteristics—and in the cases of 24,342 people, their causes of death—over periods averaging 14 years. The goal was to find the relationship between blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and the risk of death from all causes. The study went a step further and correlated DHA blood levels against the likelihood of death caused specifically by cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes.

The study found that people who had the highest blood levels of DHA (greater than 2.48%), when compared against those with the lowest blood levels (lower than 1.47%), had a 17% lower risk of dying during the study.

On a more granular level, those with the highest DHA levels versus those with the lowest had a:

• 21% lower risk of death caused by cardiovascular disease,
• 17% lower risk of death caused by cancer, and
• 15% lower risk of death from other causes.

These significant findings are very exciting, but they are preliminary. This was not a clinical study in which researchers used DHA or other omega-3s to treat people with ailments. Below is a more detailed breakdown of how the study was conducted, and the takeaways.

Who were the participants in the DHA/risk of mortality study?

Most of the people included in the study (117,702 people) are participants in the United Kingdom Biobank Study (UKBB). The study began in 2006, and to date has enrolled more than 500,000 volunteers living in the United Kingdom. Volunteers range in age from 40 to 69 at time of enrollment, and agree to provide information on their lifestyles, nutritional and medical data, and blood and urine samples. Participants are being followed for 30 years or more, with information recorded on diseases, hospitalizations, and causes of death.

The goal is to create a database of information that researchers can utilize in research intended to “enable better understanding of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of serious and life-threatening illnesses – including cancer, heart disease and stroke.”

As noted in the study, “On average, the UKBB participants were 57 years of age, nearly evenly split by biological sex (54% female), primarily Caucasian (94%) and were overweight.”

In addition to the UKBB participants, the study drew on freshly updated data from 42,702 individuals participating in 17 fatty-acid studies that were originally aggregated by the Fatty Acid and Outcome Research Consortium (FORCE) in a study published in Nature in 2021.

These two sets of data were pooled together, resulting in a total studied population of 160,404, of which 24,342 died during the approximately 14-year period they were studied.

What health data did the DHA/cause of death study examine?

The study took the 160,000+ people studied and divided them into five equal groups (“quintiles”). People were grouped according to the amount of DHA in their blood when they were first enrolled in their studies, as a percentage of their total fatty acids:

• Quintile 1. DHA range: < 1.47%; estimated omega-3 index: 3.75%
• Quintile 2. DHA range: 1.47% – 1.79%; estimated omega-3 index: 4.96%
• Quintile 3. DHA range: 1.79% – 2.08%; estimated omega-3 index: 5.86%
• Quintile 4. DHA range: 2.08% – 2.48%; estimated omega-3 index: 6.89%
• Quintile 5. DHA range: > 2.48%; estimated omega-3 index: 8.72%

The frequency of death in each quintile was then evaluated for deaths from all causes, and broken down by cause into cardiovascular disease, cancer, and “other mortality.” Quintile 1, the quintile with the lowest DHA levels, was established as the baseline for frequency of death, and then each quintile was evaluated in comparison to the baseline. Data was adjusted for relevant risk factors, such as age, sex, occupation, education, physical activity, smoking, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), high blood pressure (hypertension), etc., and it was noted that other unmeasured variables could have impacted the results.

What were the results of the DHA/cause of death study?

For every cause of death evaluated, those with the lowest DHA blood levels had the highest death rate. As noted at the beginning of this article, those with the highest DHA levels versus those with the lowest had a:

• 21% lower risk of death caused by cardiovascular disease,
• 17% lower risk of death caused by cancer, and
• 15% lower risk of death from other causes.

There was some variation in the trend of DHA levels versus mortality rate, but in general, the greater the DHA level, the lower the mortality rate.

What possible reasons did the study authors offer for the relationship between DHA levels and mortality?

The study’s authors put forward a few rationales for the relationship between higher DHA levels and lower death rates found in the study:

• Heart Health: The authors note that high levels of DHA and EPA can lower blood pressure and heart rate, and that lower blood pressure and heart rate are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality.
• Nervous System: The authors point out that people with higher vagal tone—a measure of the activity of the vagus nerve, which regulates heart rate reduction, vessel dilation and constriction, glandular activity, and other processes—tend to have a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. According to the authors, omega-3 supplementation has been shown to improve vagal tone.
• Aging: The authors state that frailty and muscle loss “are strongly correlated with aging and mortality,” and that multiple studies have found that omega-3 supplementation (with both DHA and EPA) has a positive impact on muscle size and strength, and reduction of age-related muscle loss.

The study’s authors volunteered that these and other potential associations noted in the study could explain the “reduced risks for all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and cancer mortality associated with high DHA blood levels” found in the study.

While more research is necessary, these findings imply the importance of omega-3 consumption through both diet and supplementation.

The study did make note of the frequency of fish oil supplement use, as reported by the participants, and found that those with greater DHA levels were more likely to use fish oil supplements:

• Quintile 1: 18.3% reported supplement use.
• Quintile 2: 23.8% reported supplement use.
• Quintile 3: 29.6% reported supplement use.
• Quintile 4: 37.9% reported supplement use.
• Quintile 5: 47.2% reported supplement use.

This highlights the necessity of making omega-3 nutrition more accessible and appealing through every means possible, particularly for those who can’t or prefer not to incorporate fish or marine omega-3 supplements into their diets. Developing Nutriterra DHA Omega-3 Canola, the first plant-based source of complete omega-3 nutrition, creates a new source of omega-3 nutrition for the many people who aren’t consuming the 8 or more ounces of fish per week recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which delivers roughly 250mg per day of DHA plus EPA, supporting overall health.

We are deeply grateful to the authors of this and other recent studies who have sought to define and measure the potential health benefits of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids. We look forward to reading and sharing the results of future studies.

West Sacramento, California. Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF) welcomes Friend of the Sea® recertifying Nutriterra DHA Canola as a sustainable omega-3 oil. Friend of the Sea is the global certification standard for products and services that respect and protect the marine environment; the World Sustainability Organization oversees this and other environmental accreditations. Nutriterra is pressed from Nufarm Omega-3 Canola, the world’s first crop-based innovation that increases the supply of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) while reducing pressure on marine resources.

“Consumers rely on trusted third-party certifiers, like Friend of the Sea, to identify products that align with their values. When our customers include Nutriterra in their foods and supplements, they can signify their commitment to sustainable sourcing with the Friend of the Sea label on the package,” says Brent Zacharias, Nufarm Group Executive.  

Nutriterra was one of the first products to receive the plant-based certification from Friend of the Sea in 2021. This certificate audits the supply chain from seed to oil. While land-based canola production guarantees that ocean habitats and fish are not impacted, this certification ensures our Nufarm Omega-3 Canola production meets the following criteria:

• Protection of wild fauna and flora
• Protection of soil and water resources
• Prohibition of the use of dangerous substances
• Responsible waste and energy management
• Social responsibility of the whole chain
• Legal compliance

Nutriterra makes omega-3 nutrition more accessible to consumers by providing a plant-based, fish-free source of DHA omega-3 oil. More than 80% of the global population needs more omega-3 in their diet and Nutriterra makes it easier to get the essential nutrition needed for good health. Wild fish are the current primary source of omega-3 oil, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) indicated that wild stocks are fished to capacity and 35% exploited.  

“We are honored to recertify Nutriterra DHA Canola oil. With ocean resources under increasing pressure, plant-based innovations like Nufarm's are vital to the future supply of essential omega-3 nutrition.,” said Paolo Bray, CEO and Founder of Friend of the Sea.

About Nufarm Nutritional and Nutriterra^®

Nufarm Nutritional is nourishing the world in a safe and sustainable way by developing the supply chain and new markets for products derived from Nufarm's advanced biotechnologies. Nutriterra is designed for human nutrition from Nufarm Omega-3 Canola, the world’s first plant-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Nutriterra provides a sustainable land-based oil supply, helping reduce pressure on wild-fish stocks and closing the gap between how much omega-3 is needed to support human health and how little the ocean can provide.  More information is available at: nutriterraomega3.com.

About Friend of the Sea

Friend of the Sea, a World Sustainability Organization project, awards sustainable practices in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Fishmeal, and Omega-3. The organization promotes pilot projects related to restaurants, sustainable shipping, whale and dolphin-watching, aquaria, ornamental fish, UV creams, etc. It is the only sustainable fisheries certification program recognized and supervised globally by a National Accreditation Body.

For more information, visit:

https://friendofthesea.org/

https://www.nutriterraomega3.com/

Media contact

Katrina Benedicto, Communications Director – Nufarm Nutritional

Phone +1 (530) 490-1038

‍Email katrina.benedicto@nuseed.com

Earth Day on April 22^nd is the perfect day to take stock of Nutriterra’s ongoing efforts to help give people new, innovative ways of accessing good health. We have developed the world’s first plant-based source of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3, reaching new consumers who don’t like the taste of marine oils, or who are allergic to them, or who want a more ocean-friendly source of complete omega-3 nutrition.

But what does being “sustainable” mean? For Nutriterra, it means achieving the maximum possible benefit for people and society, while reducing pressure on our world’s oceans.

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals give us a global framework for defining and measuring our efforts at being sustainable by making positive social, environmental, and economic impacts.

There are 17 interlinking Sustainable Development Goals, which are designed to work together as a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”

Nutriterra is aligned with 5 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

• Zero Hunger: Nutriterra provides total omega-3 nutrition without marine ingredients, leaving more fish in the sea for human consumption.
• Good Health and Well-Being: More than 80% of people are consuming less omega-3 than is ideal for supporting healthy eyes, brains, and hearts.* Nutriterra makes omega-3 nutrition more accessible and palatable than ever before, with a source of omega-3 that is plant-based, fish-free, and has a neutral taste.
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Nutriterra represents a strategic commitment to providing world-changing solutions through the power of plants, innovating crops that impact global environmental issues.
• Life Below Water: One hectare of the Nufarm Omega-3 Canola used to produce Nutriterra provides as much DHA omega-3 as 10,000 one-kilogram fish, without disrupting ocean habitats to source this vital nutrient.
• Life On Land: Nufarm Omega-3 Canola grows on existing US farmland under strict stewardship standards. Grower contracts provide economic security to ensure sustainable incomes.

When the Goals talk about creating a “better and more sustainable future for all,” they really do mean all. Sustainability means building, preserving, and expanding systems that contribute to human health, preserve the health of our environment, protect plants and animals, and create new economic opportunities that ensure that people have can build fulfilling and financially viable lives. Nutriterra does all of this.

We’re not done innovating yet, either. We’re continuing to work to improve Nutriterra. To deliver more omega-3 nutrition in every drop of Nutriterra DHA Omega-3 Canola oil, to further reduce the need for sourcing fish oil from ocean-caught fish, and to increase the economic benefits of growing and processing the Nufarm Omega-3 canola that Nutriterra is derived from. We’re continuing to raise the bar for being a sustainable, accessible, and ocean-friendly source of omega-3 nutrition.

Heading into 2024, the omega-3 space is primed for disruption. The last year has seen significant supply chain challenges and consumers are still feeling the sting of inflation. On the bright side, there is growth in emerging categories like cognitive health and beauty from within, as well as opportunity in demonstrating value to consumers with unique value propositions.

Here is a deeper dive into these trends and how they can attract new consumers to the omega-3 space.

Dietary Industry Trends

Beauty from Within

This is an emerging category with surprising growth in the brick-and-mortar, mass-market channel. Increased sales  in this channel indicate mainstream appetite for beauty from within. While B vitamins and collagen are the leading ingredients in beauty supplements, omega-3 is indicated in supporting skin health and can be included in unique formulations to meet multiple beauty goals. Omega-3 oil ingredients are currently worth $56MM in annual US sales in the beauty from within category (NBJ 2023).

The mass market channel is historically price sensitive, so it is important that formulations do not become cost prohibitive to consumers. Affordable, plant-based ingredients Like Nutriterra DHA Canola oil can make this category more accessible while keeping margins high.

Cognitive health

Omega-3 for cognitive health is a staple. This category has seen consistent growth for the last two years and shows no signs of slowing. This category is currently worth $256 MM in the US expected to grow over 8% this year, and omega-3 remains the largest volume ingredient in this space.

Omega-3 is well known for its role in supporting cognitive health, particularly in early brain development and maintaining cognitive function as we age. What is new here for omega-3 is the chance to play well with others, including emerging ingredients like astaxanthin or lion’s mane mushrooms. Also new is the role of mood in cognitive health, 52% of global consumers find mood enhancing and overall well-being claims appealing (NBJ 2023).

Consumer Trends

Plant-based

Netflix is trending with a new plant-based docuseries, keeping the health and environmental benefits of plant-forward lifestyle top-of-mind. Mintel product launch studies show that plant-based offerings and plant-based omega-3 volumes are expected to increase 50% by 2030 (Mintel 2023). The mega trends that are driving this are beyond dietary preferences: plant-based omega-3 are perceived as more sustainable than wild-caught fish, and fish oil still presents sensory challenges.

Price Fatigue

Brand loyalty is taking a back seat to affordability. However, consumers remain unwilling to compromise quality for price. This presents opportunities for brands to attract new customers by offering more VALUE for their purchase. This can be achieved with plant-based ingredients, sustainable credentials, validated health claims, tastier formulations, or a better price for equal quality.

Sixty-three percent of global consumers are concerned that rising prices will impact their health (FMCG Gurus 2023). Nutriterra provides a plant-based source of omega-3 at a fraction of the cost of other fish oil alternatives, making it possible to support consumers with accessibly priced omega-3.

Supply Chain Trends

Limited Catch

More fish in the sea is an adage from days past. 2023 was a record year for limited catch. The supply chain is still catching up from Peru’s cancellation of their first anchovy catch with total catch for 2023 down 20% YoY (IFFO 2024). While El Nino and limited catches are cyclical, the overall trend is that demand for fish oils is outpacing supply. Human nutrition is competing with a rapidly growing aquaculture industry to secure these scarce nutrients. Diversifying the supply chain with novel ingredients like Nutriterra DHA canola oil secure the long-term availability of omega-3 while reducing pressure on marine resources.

Transparency

While green label exhaustion is real, consumers still want to know they are making responsible purchases. Seventy-seven percent of Generation Z (18-22) say food, drink, and supplement brands should be doing more to protect the planet (FMCG Gurus 2023). While Millennial and Gen X consumers still value the shorthand of third-party certifications, trust is shifting from labels to expecting full transparency directly from brands. Generation Z is looking for a compelling story on company websites and the brands that deliver are rewarded with loyalty.

Nutriterra makes it easy to meet the needs of both these consumers’ preferences. We are Friend of the Sea® certified for our plant-based omega-3 oil, and products with enough content can use this widely recognized and respected label. For consumers who want to dig deeper, we produce our omega-3 canola through stringent stewardship protocols and can trace our supply from soil to oil.