24 Oct 2022 --- Epax, a Norway-based manufacturer of concentrated marine oils, is introducing the first product within its NovusLipid category – Epax Cetoleic 10. The product comprises gondoic acid (omega 9) and cetoleic acid, an omega 11 marine lipid.
Recent Epax research suggests that because Epax Cetoleic 10 is high in long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs), it may have advantages for skin health.
“When we developed Epax Cetoleic 10, we aimed to increase the nutritional choices for a healthy lifestyle. One of the first indications we wanted to understand better was if this fatty acid could benefit the body’s largest organ – the skin,” Thomas Gulbrandsen, global sales and marketing director of Epax, tells NutritionInsight.
“Our first study into this area showed that intake of cetoleic acid led to a statistically significant reduction in the redness of facial skin, a big concern for many people and thus an important category in the beauty-from-within market.”
“This has encouraged us to explore whether Epax Cetoleic 10 could benefit those struggling with eczema. Given that this future clinical study is successful, it will provide evidence of a nutritional alternative for skincare for millions of eczema sufferers.”
Impacts on skin and metabolic health
In a randomized pilot trial, skin redness was significantly reduced in subjects taking Epax Cetoleic 10. Additionally, despite having less EPA and DHA than standard omega 3 products, another study found that it can boost the omega 3 index.
“In addition to the promising findings in skin health, Epax Cetoleic 10 has the potential to complement many of the activities of EPA and DHA, for example, in metabolic health,” Gulbrandsen continues.
Epax Cetoleic 10 is high in LC-MUFAs and aimed at skin health (Credit: Epax).According to previous animal studies, atherosclerosis and inflammation can be reduced by fish oils high in cetoleic acid. According to the latest study, it can also aid in preventing metabolic syndrome.
“Cetoleic acid appears to have somewhat different activities from EPA and DHA, possibly due to a different distribution in the human body. This can provide an exciting opportunity for additional health benefits from marine oils in areas we traditionally do not associate with omega 3,” explains Gulbrandsen.
Regarding future research, Gulbrandsen adds: “Epax is a collaborator in several pre-clinical and clinical studies based on several different fatty acids, which we look forward to sharing the results of in the near future. We will bring new marine-based products to the market in line with our development strategy – ‘Oceans of Possibilities.’”
Marine lipid potential and future outlook
According to Epax, EPA and DHA are the most bio-active and important marine lipids for human health and Epax-concentrates provide a pure and healthy means to increase EPA and DHA levels, continues Gulbrandsen.
“The health benefit of increasing the omega 3 index in millions of people worldwide cannot be stressed enough,” he says.
“The enormous amount of research performed with EPA and DHA is testimony to their biological and clinical effects. But naturally, other fatty acids or marine products may also affect human health. This is why we have chosen to dedicate significant resources to our newly established category – Epax NovusLipid – with a focus on lipids beyond EPA and DHA.”
The Epax NovusLipid product line results from the company’s concerted effort to investigate the potential of marine fatty acids beyond the omega 3 category.
More research will be conducted to investigate the benefits of cetoleic-rich fish oil for people with eczema and its mechanisms of action in metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity and fatty liver.
The product will be exhibited at SupplySide West 2022, Las Vegas, US, from November 2-3.
By Nicole Kerr
