Marine nutraceutical supplier Epax has launched EPAX Evolve 05, the first very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLC-PUFA) to be made commercially available; which it will debut at Vitafoods Europe 2025.
Recent research suggests that VLC-PUFAs — a family of omega-3s — can support healthy ageing, mostly through their ability to improve retinal function, as well as skin health and sperm structure and function.
Notably, research has found that its depletion, which is associated with age-related changes such as a reduction in bone density and muscular strength, can have a negative effect on overall health.
Epax created EPAX Evolve 05 following the finding that crude fish oil contains a small concentration of these key fatty acids.
Through almost a decade of development, the marine ingredients company has released a potent extract containing 10x the amount of VLC-PUFAs that would typically be found in fish oil.
The patent-protected concentrate will debut as part of the Epax's NovusLipid range, and has already obtained self-affirmed GRAS status and non-novel food status, meaning it can be freely marketed in Europe and the US.
To ensure the safety of the product, Epax has also performed genotoxicity and repeat-dose toxicology studies on the ingredient, which revealed positive results.
Now that the product is commercially available, Epax can provide samples to researchers for intervention studies, according to the brand.
“VLC-PUFAs offer enormous potential in areas like vision and healthy ageing, but previous research into their benefits was hindered by a lack of material containing high concentrations of these fatty acids," noted Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax.
"By developing a VLC concentrate that opens the door to further research, we can discover their true potential and introduce a new family of valuable fatty acids to the marketplace; the stage is set for a new era for omega-3," he concluded.
The team at Epax will be on hand at stand 3J58 to introduce attendees to EPAX Evolve 05.
