Ingredient manufacturer Genosa has introduced Hytolive Infinity Omega, an olive extract designed to allow the incorporation of natural hydroxytyrosol into omega-3 oils with no impact on colour and without the use of additives.
Natural hydroxytyrosol is an ortho-diphenol, considered a potent free radical scavenger with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It’s the foremost phenolic compound of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and table olives and, according to research, it seems to be, together with oleic acid, its key component.
In the recent years, the natural hydroxytyrosol market has reportedly seen consistent growth. The ageing population, an increased awareness of prevention and a clinical evidence of the ingredient’s benefits against chronic inflammatory processes and oxidation, have all contributed.
Olive oil polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol) were backed by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and included in the Regulation (EU) 432/2012 by permitting a cardiovascular health claim.
“The new natural product that we have developed opens an unlimited number of applications for the omega oils market whatever the source. Dietary lipids consumption has an impact on our health. Genosa has made it possible for the major EVOO healthy advantage to be incorporated into omega oils. We also contribute to the circular economy since we obtain our extracts directly from olives,” said Carlos Peña, Genosa CEO.
Hytolive Infinity Omega can be incorporated into marine sources (fish, krill, algae) or land-based omega oils, Genosa says. According to the EFSA, EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglycerides levels, blood pressure and function of the heart. At the same time, olive oil polyphenols can contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.
In combination, manufacturers can offer consumers a complementary combination that not only lowers triglycerides, but also about prevents blood lipids (LDL and vLDL cholesterol) from oxidative damage, thereby controlling atheroma plaque development.
“The formulation of functional omega oils is crucial for health prevention,” Peña said. “Essential fatty acids and non essential fatty acids should form part of our diets, not only as a source of calories, energy and other key physiological processes, but also because of the ratios and proportions of the fatty acids. They are critical. Also, it is absolutely necessary that such lipids are accompanied of natural antioxidants that provide an effective activity in order to protect them from oxidation and, at the same time, as a vehicle of actives that benefit our health.
“With Hytolive Infinity Omega we propose the omega oils actors to ‘Olive their omegas’, by providing them with the natural antioxidant essence of extra virgin olive oil. In my opinion this is an attractive and important step for the omega-3 refiners, distributors and consumers.”
