Nutriterra Total Omega-3, an omega-3 fatty acid ingredient sourced from genetically modified canola, has received Health Canada approval as a dietary supplement ingredient.

Nutriterra was issued a product license and natural product number from Canada’s Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), which authorizes it to be sold and marketed with the following health claims:

• Supports heart health and cardiovascular function
• Supports normal brain function
• Source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for maintaining good health
• Source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for maintaining good health
• Source of an essential fatty acid for the maintenance of good health
• Source of omega-3 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health

“Health Canada’s approval recognizes Nutriterra’s ability to support heart and brain health and provides a new option to meet the growing demand for plant-based total omega-3 with DHA, EPA, and ALA,” said Benita Boettner, nutritional general manager.

A 2022 human clinical study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a 2,000 mg serving of Nutriterra taken daily was associated with improvements in indicators of omega-3 status, such as the OmegaScore, and Omega-3 index. Improvements in these measures have been associated with positive outcomes related to heart and brain health in other research.

Boettner noted that Nutriterra comes with sensory and sustainability advantages relative to omega-3s sourced from fish oil. “With Health Canada’s approval for Nutriterra as a safe and effective dietary ingredient, we are well placed to attract new consumers and raise the consumption of omega-3 closer to the recommended daily intake.” Just one hectare of Nuseed omega-3 canola produces as much DHA as 10,000 kilograms of wild-caught fish, according to the company, and the canola has a unique fatty acid profile of DHA, EPA, and ALA.