{"id":390,"date":"2014-03-14T08:00:17","date_gmt":"2014-03-14T14:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulprospector.com\/knowledge\/?p=390"},"modified":"2021-04-01T15:26:31","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T21:26:31","slug":"dha-epa-using-omega-3-fatty-acids-food-formulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ulprospector.ul.com\/390\/dha-epa-using-omega-3-fatty-acids-food-formulations\/","title":{"rendered":"DHA & EPA: Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Your Food Formulations"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"mackerel\"In a recent article<\/a>, I covered alpha linoleic acid, the omega-3 fatty acid found in plant sources.\u00a0Here, I’ll focus on two other omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)<\/a> and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)<\/a>, which have also been shown to have numerous health benefits and may be good choices for your functional food or supplement product.<\/p>\n

Both DHA and EPA are referred to as n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (often shortened to \u201cPUFAs\u201d). Docosahexanoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) is a 22 carbon chain with 6 double bonds. This omega-3 fatty acid can be sourced from coldwater fish, algae, and specialty egg products where the hens were fed an enriched diet. DHA is found in breastmilk, and is critical for development of the brain and visual acuity in infants.<\/p>\n

Eicosapentanoic Acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) is a 20-carbon chain with 5 double bonds. EPA can be found in fish, fish oils, algae and other marine sources. It acts as a building block for cells in your vital organs.<\/p>\n

DHA and EPA in combination are shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in the reduction of high triglyceride levels. For toddlers, children and adults, it aids normal brain function and has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in adults in some clinical studies. DHA and EPA can also be synthesized at a limited rate in the body from alpha-linoleic acid (ALA, 18:3 n-3), as discussed in an earlier article<\/a>. In the US, DHA and EPA consumption has been lower when compared to other nations with lower heart disease rates, such as Japan.<\/p>\n

Labeling Claims<\/h3>\n

In the US, the FDA allows structure\/function claims to be made on products containing DHA and EPA, in both supplements and food.\u00a0 For use in food, products must meet \u201clow saturated fat\u201d and \u201clow cholesterol\u201d criteria, and must meet at least 10% Daily Value on vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, protein, or dietary fiber per reference amount prior to adding any additional fortification to the product.\u00a0 See the\u00a0FDA’s labeling information page<\/a> for additional criteria requirements.<\/p>\n

In Canada, if a food contains a minimum of 0.3 grams or more of PUFAs, label claims can be similar to \u201csource of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids\u201d.\u00a0 See the Canadian Food Inspection Agency<\/a> guidelines for specific conditions regarding claims.<\/p>\n

In the EU, the EFSA approved health claims made on products containing DHA and EPA.\u00a0 The claims are in relation to maintenance of blood triglyeride levels, normal brain, blood pressure, or heart function, fetal development of brain and eyes, and infant vision.\u00a0 The EFSA has further requirements listed in their journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Recent product launches including DHA and\/or EPA in their formulations include: whole milk yogurt for infants and toddlers in the US; dog treats in Canada, Spain and Finland; milk mix-in for use during pregnancy in India; deli meats in Germany; and infant cheese slices in South Korea.<\/p>\n

Development Considerations<\/h3>\n

Omega-3 oils are prone to oxidation and development of objectionable flavors and odors, so protection from light, oxygen, heat and other catalysts is essential for products formulated with them during manufacturing and over the shelf life.<\/p>\n