An Omega Marriage: 3+6=9 Lives

Omega-3s have won most of the attention on healthy fats, but omega-6s are not taking the trend bitterly. For what it's worth, omega-6 gamma linolenic acid (GLA) confers some anti-inflammatory benefits, due to inhibiting conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) into pro-inflammatory compounds (via the 5-LOX pathway). Plus, dietary GLA can convert in the body to di-homo gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which inhibits production of certain leukotrienes that figure prominently in immune challenges including asthma, allergy and cancer (tumor function), as well as cardiovascular issues such as blood flow and vessel dilation.

One of the obstacles to greater GLA supplementation has been low concentrations of the fatty acid in currently available sources, primarily evening primrose and borage oils. However, Ken Ardisson, Arcadia Biosciences, explained as new applications of specialty blends—such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/GLA—are explored, higher concentrations and more reliable and cost-effective sources of GLA are needed to ensure convenience for consumers and overall value for consumers. He suggested high-GLA safflower oil an an effective alternative source.

However, a practice Ardisson hopes turns into a trend is pairing omega-3s with -6s, to amplify the positive, complementary benefits of both omega types. He noted the current use of GLA with EPA has been principally focused around medical foods and supplements. "For example, the Danish Olympic team has used a Pharma Nord supplement (fish oil/borage oil plus other appropriate vitamins/minerals) for the last 10 years for treatment of inflammatory, over-use injuries," he said, adding other companies have formulated GLA/EPA blends for a variety of anti-inflammatory applications. "However, omega-3-6-9 is a widely sold product with little or no mention of the synergy between its EPA and GLA components."

This synergy deserves more attention, according to Ardisson. He said Arcadia and Bioriginal are promoting supplements and foods with EPA/GLA blends because of their significant synergistic effects when used in tandem. "Numerous clinical applications across an array of conditions—CVD, osteoporosis, respiratory distress, rheumatoid arthritis—have clearly demonstrated this advantage." A trial published in the Journal of Critical Care Medicine (2006 Sep;34(9):2325-33) found a combination of EPA and GLA in patients with sepsis (acute, whole-body inflammation) reduced the term of intensive care confinement from 17.5 to 12.8 days, in addition to improving mortality rate. Ardisson explined this synergy is probably due to both GLA and EPA being converted, in parallel pathways, to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.

Beyond health benefits, another advantage of pairing EPA and GLA is distinction in the well-saturated omega-3 market. Ardisson reported current market analysts indicate the omega-3 wave is near crest and may soon level out. "In addition to the consumer health benefits, a combination with omega-3s or EPA plus GLA affords omega-3 marketers new formulation options to developed “super-charged” fish oils," he added.

Arcadia and its marketing partner, Bioriginal Food and Science Corp., will team up at Supplyside West 2008, Las Vegas, to present a Vendorworks on its new safflower-based GLA ingredient, including a review of the advantages of the enhanced 3-6-9 product as well as a discussion a new conceptual ingredient, omega 5-6-7, which incorporates the benefits of omega-5 (pomegranate oil), highly concentrated GLA safflower oil (omega-6), plus oil from palmitoleic oil-rich Sea Buckthorn berry (omega-7), which has both oral and topical health and beauty applications.

SONOVA™ GLA Safflower Oil

Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.; Location: Booth 10064

Sponsor: Bioriginal & Arcadia Biosciences Inc.