Fish oil has dominated the discussion regarding marine nutraceuticals as consumers recognize the health benefits of omega 3s today more than ever before. But many other ingredients derived from the hidden treasures of the sea also offer great potential.

Demand for omega 3s and other marine ingredients has been propelled by an increased focus on health across the board—particularly on the part of Baby Boomers—as well as by strong science that continues to demonstrate efficacy of these wide-ranging products.

“More and more consumers are trying to achieve and maintain healthier lifestyles,” said Trina O’Brien, marketing and public relations manager, GTC Nutrition, Golden, CO. “Marine nutraceuticals are perceived as naturally healthy, sustainable ingredient solutions. Since the majority of diets are deficient in certain nutrients such as EPA/DHA omega 3s and calcium, consumers are increasing their intake by eating foods, beverages and supplements fortified with these nutrients.”

Mary Ann Siciliano, national sales manager, Arista Industries, Wilton, CT, said that fish oils, as well as krill oil, have emerged as the most popular marine nutraceuticals due to their high concentration of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids, which have undergone rigorous scientific evaluation.

“Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that the body does not produce and must obtain through supplements or functional foods,” she noted. “The driving demand for these ingredients is that these are natural sources and help combat serious ailments with decreased or without use of prescription drugs.”

Sharrann Simmons, senior marketing manager, Cognis Nutrition & Health, La Grange, IL, noted that 75-80% of consumers are aware of omega 3s. “I think people know they are good for the heart, but equally, they clearly understand they are great for cognition and brain development, especially in children.”

She went on to suggest that consumers have really responded to science, particularly the overwhelming amount of data that link omega 3s EPA and DHA to specific health platforms such as heart health, and eye and brain development in children. Meanwhile, emerging studies also indicate a strong relationship in other areas, including immune function and cognitive ailments like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Ms. Simmons said she anticipates continued growth in connection with new discoveries regarding the health impact of these vital nutrients.

Supplements vs. Foods

Dietary supplements have been the most widely accepted application for fish oils. Peter Lembke, chief scientific officer, Bioseutica, Rhinebeck, NY, said he sees a trend toward “the production of highly concentrated, higher purity and better refined products,” which the company manufactures via its kd-pür technology, a patented super critical fluid technology that allows for the extraction of omega 3 oils in purity and concentration up to 99%, as well as customized formulations and flexible EPA to DHA ratios.

While manufacturers of dietary supplements compete in terms of purity and concentration, those that incorporate marine-derived omega 3s into foods and beverages face significant challenges in terms of stability. “New technologies such as encapsulation opened up new categories of food applications for fish-derived omega 3s such as Nu-Mega Omega 3 DHA powder,” said GTC’s Ms. O’Brien.

Likewise, Cognis’ Ms. Simmons said stability presents the biggest barrier to more functional food and beverage launches, as companies have strived to develop stable omega 3 powders that can be used in a variety of applications. However, technology continues to improve. “We’re always looking at new ways to encapsulate and create a powder version of an oil product to give our customers more capability in terms of formulation.” One solution that Cognis employs in preserving shelf life during storage is encapsulation with mixed tocopherols, natural antioxidants that help prevent oxidation and degradation.

Scott Steil, president of NutraBridge, Shoreview, MN, agreed with this assessment of the functional food and beverage market, saying, “Formulation, taste profile and stability issues are much greater challenges in this arena [compared to supplements]. I anticipate new delivery technologies will help address these challenges, but it may take a few more years to reach critical mass.”

As the market continues to advance, overall, Mr. Steil and others maintained that consumers have embraced marine-based ingredients due to the fact that they provide proven health benefits. “The science supporting the safety and efficacy of this class of ingredients continues to improve, which is the key driver to future success. As we work with companies that develop and sell finished goods, they readily accept marine-based products since the end user can easily understand what they are buying and putting into their bodies. Safety is one of the top benefits of sea-based ingredients.”

Krill

Compared to omega 3 fish oil, krill oil has been a relative newcomer to this market, but has gained more attention and is picking up momentum. Krill is a generic term used to designate all deepwater marine planktonic crustacean species. According to Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc., Laval, Quebec, Canada, Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) contains EPA and DHA in a highly bioavailable form. In fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids are found as triglycerides, whereas in NKO these nutrients are primarily present as EPA- and DHA-bound phospholipids. NKO has high potency and bioavailability, potentially offering additional therapeutic effects at low dosages, according to the company.

In terms of sustainability, krill also represents the planet’s most abundant marine biomass. It is found in sea banks that may extend several square kilometers, according to Neptune. The company sources its NKO from the Antarctic Ocean. Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, makes up an estimated biomass of more than 500 million tons. Of this, more than half is eaten by seals, penguins, squid, whales and fish each year, and is replaced by rapid growth and reproduction.

Astaxanthin

NKO is also a source of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that protects cells and membranes from oxidative damage and, in combination with phospholipids, is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Recently, Valensa International, Eustis, FL, signed an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Neptune Technologies to develop specialty supplements incorporating NKO phospholipids into next-generation condition-specific formulations, including joint and eye health formulas.

“Recent research strongly supports astaxanthin as the eye healthcare supplement of choice due to its ability to cross the blood-brain/blood-retina barrier and preferentially reside in the cones of the foveal region of the macula,” said Rudi Moerck, president and CEO, Valensa International. Research also points to astaxanthin’s reduction of light-induced oxidative stress processes that damage cells and cellular mechanisms. “Astaxanthin was found to be many times more effective than either beta-carotene or lutein against UV-light-induced cellular damage,” Mr. Moerck added. “Results from the Carotenoids and Antioxidants in Age Related Maculopathy Italian Study (CARMIS) clinical trial, which employed astaxanthin as a critical component ingredient, strongly suggest that astaxanthin is an excellent addition to eye healthcare supplements that may already contain lutein.”

Algae

Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae is currently a major natural source of astaxanthin. But a variety of other algae types also offer manufacturers unique opportunities for product formulation. For example, spirulina, a blue-green algae, represents a “comprehensive source of rich and unique nutrients,” according to Valensa’s Mr. Moerck. It is packed with protein, essential amino acids and gamma linolenic acid (GLA), also providing alpha linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid, EPA, DHA and arachidonic acid (AA).

In addition, spirulina contains vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E. Spirulina also constitutes a rich source of potassium, and contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc.

“Spirulina offers huge health benefits,” Mr. Moerck added. “It aids in immune system activity while supporting cardiovascular health and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. It is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to aid energy and curb hunger while being low in calories.”

ID-alG, from France-based Bio Serae Laboratories, is made from premium brown algae sourced off the coast of Brittany, France, and provides a natural source of minerals and trace elements, including phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, according to Catherine Lecareux, global communication manager, IRANEX, which includes Bio Serae Laboratoires SA and Colloïdes Naturels International.

“ID-alG contains original marine polyphenols which are not mere antioxidants,” she noted. “A preliminary in vitro study highlighted that they have the ability to inhibit two of the main digestive enzymes, lipase and amylase, by more than 50%. More recently, an in vivo test was conducted to evaluate the effect of ID-alG on weight evolution of rats subject to obesity induction.”

Results show that ID-alG helps to reduce weight gain of rats fed fat-enriched meals by about 22%. By decreasing fat and carbohydrate assimilation, ID-alG helps to control caloric intake, reducing fat storage and weight gain, Ms. Lecareux said. “Similar to polyphenols found above the ocean’s surface, [marine-based polyphenols] act as antioxidants, providing protection against free radicals naturally generated during the aging process or during external damaging effects like UV or oxidative stress.”

Seaweed

A staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, seaweed has noteworthy health-enhancing properties. According to a white paper from Ecuadorian Rainforest, Bellville, NJ, “Seaweeds are rich in magnesium, potassium, sodium and trace minerals boron, copper, manganese…Relatively high in protein and fiber and low in fat, seaweeds have been linked to weight loss and overall health.”

For example, according to Nichole Deblock, director of marketing and product development, Nutraceuticals International, Elmwood Park, NJ, “Fucoxanthin from edible seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, shows anti-obesity effects through UCP1 expression in white adipose tissues.”

InSea2, from InnoVactiv, is an ingredient sourced from brown seaweed. According to Nutra Bridge’s, Mr. Steil, the positioning for this product is blood-sugar control. It works to block both alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes; reduces peak glucose levels by 90% and peak insulin levels by 40% 30 minutes after consuming a high starch meal; and eliminates the period of hypoglycemia that is common after a high glycemic index meal.

While many natural marine ingredients offer great potential to impact human health, Ms. Deblock acknowledged quality issues within the overall market, saying there are companies that have tried to market “bogus seaweed” that has no nutritional value.

Green Shell Mussel

Clinical evidence has also given rise to the popularity of green shell mussel, sometimes referred to as green lipped mussel. Ben Winters, director, Aroma New Zealand, Ltd., Christchurch, New Zealand, said his company’s branded GlycOmega Green Lipped Mussel extract provides a rich source of glucosamine sulphate, omega 3 fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are essential for healthy connective tissue and joint function. “Both of our Green Lipped Mussel Powder, shark cartilage and oil products have been shown to increase joint mobility and reduce inflammation associated with arthritic conditions,” he said. “Green Lipped Mussel Powder and Green Lipped Mussel Oil have both been researched over the last 15 years with clinical studies.”

He attributed success of these products to “an aging, active population” that wants to remain active and enjoy everyday life without aches and pains. “Also, people want to look after their family pets, including dogs, cats and horses. Green Lipped Mussel Extracts account for 60% of our exports into companion animal supplements to increase joint mobility in senior animals suffering from hip dysplasia and joint related issues.”

Craig McIntosh, CEO, Waitaki Biosciences, Christchurch, New Zealand, agreed that joint health is a major concern for many consumers. “From the athletes and workers whose physical activity puts high levels of strain on joints, to the rapidly aging population who are keen to maintain a youthful vigor and active health,” he said. “Dietary supplements and functional foods that can support joint health are enjoying continued growth as consumers look to take more control over their dietary intake and actively seek high quality, natural alternatives to pharmaceutical products.”

Produced from the Perna canaliculus species of mussel, unique to the coastal waters of New Zealand, the anti-inflammatory properties of this mussel were first recognized as early as the mid 1970s, according to Mr. McIntosh. “Research into the joint health properties of green shell mussel powders in numerous in vitro, animal and human trials have been ongoing over the past 30 years.”

Green shell mussel powders are known to reduce joint pain and stiffness following oral consumption; reduce pain, stiffness and swelling in dogs with clinical signs of arthritis; improve the clinical symptoms of horses with degenerative joint disease; reduce experimentally-induced inflammation in rats following oral consumption; and inhibit the expression of indicators of inflammation (suppression of superoxide) in in vitro assays.

“The positive results of GAIT (Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) [published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2006] added credibility to nutraceutical solutions for joint care,” Mr. McIntosh added. “By demonstrating the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical solutions, not only glucosamine and chondroitin benefited, but other joint health nutraceuticals were given the green light, including greenshell mussel powder.”

Mr. McIntosh said the market is recovering from being inundated with a number of poorly manufactured and inferior products that offer little if any health benefits to the consumer. “The development of our new GSM offering, Pernatec, was driven in part by the need to have a product that was standardized and characterized to the highest possible specification, stabilized for longevity and differentiated from more generic products.”

Glucosamine

With substantial demand for joint health products, glucosamine is the most popular marine nutraceutical offered by Pharmachem Laboratories, Kearny, NJ, according to Mitch Skop, director of new product development. “We’re all aware of the consumer awareness of the benefits of this ingredient, of the huge quantities sold and of studies conducted to verify efficacy and safety,” he said. “Demand for glucosamine has been very high for years as it is considered the gold standard as a natural aid in the care of arthritis. Consumer products containing glucosamine continue to sell remarkably well at retail, as consumers are most aware of their benefits for arthritis relief.”

From an ingredient perspective, he noted that competition in the single-ingredient glucosamine market is significant, as it is widely available from a variety of sources.

To differentiate itself from competition, Pharmachem has focused on quality standards. “Our QA/QC controls are so stringent, and our manufacturing of value-added forms of glucosamine helps manufacturers and brands increase their efficiencies and to differentiate their products from others.”

As the market for marine ingredients progresses, product manufacturers will be tasked with meeting demands of increasingly savvy consumers who recognize their own dietary deficiencies. Quality, safety and scientific backing have worked well for omega 3s. Those three elements are key to continued success in the market moving forward.