AAK, the specialist producer of plant-based oil and fat ingredients, has launched a new product to support metabolic and immune health.
AkoVita OptiSyn™ is a unique combination of omega-3 DHA and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in a proprietary ratio*. It maximizes the effect of DHA by boosting its incorporation in the cell membranes of adipose tissue where it is needed to be biologically active** .
This represents a new approach to tackling metabolic syndrome – a significant threat to global health driven by excess body weight, which increases the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Trials have shown omega-3 DHA to be a powerful weapon in the fight against metabolic syndrome, but not all the DHA we consume gets to the cell membranes where it is needed – something that AkoVita OptiSyn™ sets out to address.
Theo van Kempen, Team Leader Health Science at AAK and Professor at North Carolina State University, explains:
“We know that DHA is effective against obesity-induced metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese adults, but the challenge has been to deliver DHA to where it matters in the body; cell membranes. It is from the cell membranes that DHA has to be recruited to produce anti-inflammatory mediators like resolvins and protectins.
“The PC in AkoVita OptiSyn™ works in synergy with the DHA to boost its digestion, uptake, transport, and function resulting in a 150% increase in adipose tissue cell membrane DHA.”
Isabela Prado, Commercial Product Manager at AAK, says:
“This means we can pioneer a new future for delivering greater DHA benefits without using more DHA, and we are excited to use our expertise in special nutrition and application to help our customers incorporate AkoVita OptiSyn™ into new or existing products for their markets.”
The launch of AkoVita OptiSyn™ comes against the backdrop of an increasing global obesity crisis, with the World Health Organisation revealing in 2022 that 1 in 8 people globally were living with obesity while nearly half were overweight.
As well as increasing the risk of developing serious health conditions, excess fat creates a vicious downward cycle in immune health by promoting chronic inflammation . This in turn exacerbates metabolic dysfunction, leading to further inflammation – something that AkoVita OptiSyn™ can address by delivering more DHA to the cell membranes of adipose tissue.
On top of being more effective in comparison to algae or fish DHA oil AkoVita OptiSyn™ include it being less prone to oxidation or the development of off-flavors. It can also be stored at <25oC and eliminates the need for adding separate choline salts.
With 51% of consumers looking for functional food and drinks to boost their health (FMCG Gurus: global consumer health data, 2023) – and DHA and omega-3 supplements on the market mostly coming in the form of capsules, jellies or gummies – AAK sees an unmet consumer need. This is why the Multi-oil Ingredient House has already created prototypes for an oat-based chocolate drink and an enteral drink containing AkoVita OptiSyn™.
Isabela Prado, Commercial Product Manager at AAK, added:
“AkoVita OptiSyn™ delivers a range of formulation, production, and storage benefits compared with DHA alternatives, and we’re really excited about how it can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes and product types.
“There is a growth market for functional drinks aimed at improving health, so this is a great opportunity to work with us to develop the sort of new enteral and functional drinks that consumers are looking for.
“With our co-development approach and commitment to working with our partners to create a tailored solution for their needs, we’re looking forward to using AkoVita OptiSyn™ to make better metabolic health happen.”
https://akovitaoptisyn.aak.com/
* patent pending
**DISCLAIMER
This material is information intended for B2B customers, suppliers and distributors, and is not intended as information to the final consumers.
Regulatory bodies around the world have differing parameters regarding product claims. In developing claims for a food, beverage or supplement product label, manufacturers should seek guidance to assure compliance with the appropriate regulatory authority.
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Julie Leydon
E-mail: julie@bluestormdesign.co.uk