JHCI gives go-ahead for omega-3 heart health claim to manufacturers using Nutrinova® DHA

16/03/05 Recently, the JHCI (Joint Health Claims Initiative), a unique joint venture between consumer organisations, enforcement authorities and industry trade associations in the UK, has given the go-ahead for an omega-3 heart health claim for the UK.

This heart health claim relates only to the very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), but does not include ALA, (alpha-linolenic acid), another commonly available omega-3-fatty acid. Nutrinova’s microalgae-based DHA oil, Nutrinova® DHA, enables manufacturers to use the new omega-3 heart health claim on their products and to promote long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the battle to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

After examining a dossier of scientific evidence, the JHCI has agreed to a claim with the following approved wording:

“Eating 3g weekly, or 0.45g daily, long chain omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids, as part of a healthy lifestyle, helps maintain heart health.”

These essential fatty acids, only found in oily cold water fish and in specific marine microalgae in significant amounts, have repeatedly been proven to reduce the risk of death from heart disease.

Derived from microalgae via a patented fermentation process, Nutrinova® DHA contains a significantly higher concentration of DHA (at least 43%) than natural fish oils (around 12%), so that much smaller amounts are required to achieve the same DHA concentration in the final product. The high concentration and purity together with its good sensory properties result in formulation advantages, allowing the development of a variety of food applications. Extracted from a plant-based source, Nutrinova® DHA is ideal for use in numerous products, avoiding the unpleasant taste and environmental pollutants – such as dioxins – that can eventually be found in fish oils.

Self-determined GRAS status of Nutrinova® DHA for numerous applications has been granted, permitting its use in the USA. In Europe, Nutrinova® DHA is approved for use in a variety of products, such as spreadable fats and dressings, dairy products, dietary supplements and others.

Nutrinova is a leading international supplier of speciality ingredients for the food and beverage industries. The company invented Acesulfame K and markets this high intensity sweetener under the brand name Sunett®. Nutrinova is one of the world's largest producers of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid, and is also active in the market for dietary fibres and omega-3 fatty acids. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, Nutrinova has 14 subsidiaries throughout the world.