The blend of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids combines the heart and brain health benefits of omegas-3s with the skin and metabolic health benefits of omegas 9 and 11.
Epax (Ålesund, Norway) has launched a full spectrum oil that combines Omegas 3, 9, and 11. Rich in omega-3 EPA and DHA, which are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), the ingredient is unique in that it also incorporates high levels of the long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs) omegas 9 and 11. According to Epax, this is the first concentrated version of an oil to combine LC-PUFAs and LC-MUFAs, which are derived from pelagic fish from the North Atlantic. The ingredient offers unique benefits, namely the heart and brain health benefits omega-3s are known for, along with the skin and metabolic health benefits omegas 9 and 11 are being recognized for.
Produced using Epax EQP+Tech, the innovative distillation process allows the brand to isolate and increase the content of omegas 3, 9, and 11, with Epax Omega 3-9-11 containing a minimum of 720 mg/g of the fatty acids. The ingredient holds a great deal of potential as a nutricosmetic ingredient, says Epax, citing research that indicates EPA and DHA may reduce UV-induced inflammation, while a pilot study from Epax found that omega-9 and omega-11-ruch cetoleic oils may reduce skin redness. The LC-PUFAs and LC-MUFAs may even offer complementary benefits, says Epax, particularly for metabolic health parameters that preclinical studies have shown may improve more greatly with the combination of the two as opposed to each lipid on their own.
“Omega-3 fatty acids – and all the scientific evidence of their benefits – are just the start of the story,” said Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax, in a press release. “As well as developing EPA and DHA of unmatched purity and quality, Epax has been exploring the potential of other marine lipids. Epax Omega 3-9-11 is a full-spectrum solution that offers the best of both worlds – the familiar, well-proven Omega-3, and the up-and-coming Omegas 9 and 11. The potential is huge and there’s much more to discover.”
Epax has also announced that it is supporting more research into LC-MUFA’s role in skin health, and recruitment has begun for a randomized placebo-controlled study in subjects with eczema.