Download Finding Novel, Renewable Sources of Omega

Finding Novel, Renewable Sources of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Consumption of fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids (PUFAs) has health benefits ranging from
reducing atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and
stroke to improving memory and cognitive function.
Fish sources of omega-3 PUFAs have emerged as one
of the most effective and fastest growing ingredients
in the nutrition and drug marketplace, yet fish oil
production has reached capacity. Recognizing the
urgent need for alternative sources, researchers at
Wake Forest School of Medicine have discovered a
naturally occurring species of microalgae that makes
high concentrations of medium and long chain PUFAs
in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
Through several technology platforms, they are
exploring the commercial and economic potential for
this algal-derived oil.
A Complete Omega-3
Current algal oils have not expanded into markets beyond
baby formula because they contain only DHA, which
is easily oxidized and unstable. The FDA requires that
oils contain both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) to make a qualified health claim
for reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, a
medium chain, more stable omega-3 PUFA stearidonic acid
(SDA), found in rare and GMO seed oils, is rapidly moving
into the marketplace because of its capacity to be readily
metabolized to long chain PUFAs in humans. Microalgae
identified by scientists at the School of Medicine have high
concentrations of both medium and long-chain PUFAs,
including SDA, EPA and DHA. This provides a sustainable,
stable and vegetarian combination of medium and longchain PUFAs that could provide benefits for heart health,
dementia and inflammatory diseases.
Approach
The School of Medicine is in a partnership, and is exploring
other collaborations, to investigate the feasibility of largescale cultivation and production of a sustainable, nutritional
oil product. Researchers have identified the lead microalgae
strain and genotype for classification, evaluated growth, fatty
acid profile and nutrient requirements; performed initial
cost-of-goods analysis; developed product specifications;
and produced samples.
Market Need
The global market for omega-3 PUFA supplements alone
increased from $1.9 billion in 2007 to $2.9 billion in 2009 and
is to grow at a double digit compound annual rate over the
next decade (“Global Omega-3 Industry Report,” Frost &
Sullivan. September 2009; “Top 5 Supplements,” Consumer
Lab.com. Survey, 2011). In addition, the U.S. market for
omega-3 enriched foods exceeded $7 billion in 2011. New
sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to fish
oil will be essential to meet the explosion in demand of
omega-3 oils being observed in the health care, beverage
and pharmaceutical industries.
“Given its many clinical benefits and over 14,000
scientific publications supporting its effectiveness,
omega-3 PUFAs are now the leading dietary
supplement in the U.S.”
– Ski Chilton, PhD
How to Collaborate
For more information on how to get involved
or support this project, contact:
Jeff Schmitt, PhD
Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
[email protected]
Work 336-716-0676
Cell 336-480-5869
www.wakehealth.edu/IEI/
Principal Investigator:
Ski Chilton, PhD
Professor, Physiology and Pharmacology,
Wake Forest School of Medicine