Constructing on its vary of current formulations (Vanilla Fudge and Not Peanut Butter & Jelly), the three new flavors—Custard Tart, Cherry Chocolate and Cinnamon Bun—incorporate plant-based omega-3 sources resembling algal oil and flaxseed oil.
Designed to be eaten on their very own, stirred into espresso or squeezed onto breakfast, the dietary supplements are “mind meals disguised as treats,” says Sara Fenn, O3Omega’s newly appointed CEO.
“Dietary supplements don’t need to be boring, they are often scrumptious and efficacious on the similar time. We’re attempting to do one thing that different manufacturers aren’t doing —making wholesome and efficient dietary supplements that don’t compromise on high quality or taste.”
Why algal oil?
Omega-3 DHA is crucial for the conventional functioning of the center, eyes and mind. In actual fact, the mind is roughly 60% fats, with DHA making up over 90% of the n-3 PUFAs in the brain and 10%–20% of its whole lipids. Nonetheless, the human physique can’t synthesize DHA naturally.
For the reason that Western eating regimen is mostly missing in oily fish, the majority of the population lacks this important nutrient, main many to show to dietary supplements.
Usually, omega-3 dietary supplements use fish oils derived from the tissues of oily fish resembling salmon or anchovies. Nonetheless, fish oil extraction contributes to overfishing and can be liable to spoiling, Fenn famous.
“When fish oil is oxidized, it turns into poisonous,” she defined. “Fish oil may sit in a capsule doubtlessly for years earlier than it will get to you, but when it’s encapsulated, you may not understand you’re consuming a rancid oil.”
“Not solely is oxidized fish oil slightly bit toxic, however it additionally is extremely correlated with cardiovascular points,” she added.
Derived from marine algae, algal oil is wealthy in omega-3 DHA and nearly colorless and odorless when purified.
“Algal oil is absorbed in precisely the identical means as fish oil, however it’s safer, extra secure and extra sustainable,” she stated. “As a result of it’s grown in vats, it’s also saved pure from mercury and different PCBs.”
Fenn stated this drove O3Omega (a subsidiary of Virun NutraBioSciences) to make use of “pure plant-based alternate options” to fish oil of their dietary supplements, providing the identical advantages as fish oil whereas minimizing the chance of contamination and injury to our oceans.
What are PCBs?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are dangerous environmental contaminants which fish can take in when swimming in contaminated water.
New flavors, new advantages
The vary not solely brings new flavors but in addition added advantages. Whereas Cinnamon Bun goals to assist mind, coronary heart and eye with the same formulation to the present flavors (3,000 mg MCT and 400 mg algal oil DHA), Custard Tart and Cherry Chocolate carry immunity and beauty-promoting elements.
Custard Tart is comprised of flaxseed oil, ceramides and vitamin D3, with nutritional vitamins designed to advertise immunity and ceramosides for pores and skin and hair well being.
Comparatively, Cherry Chocolate is formulated with bovine collagen peptides and astaxanthin—a kind of purple algae that’s 100 occasions increased in antioxidants than vitamin C. Whereas collagen helps pores and skin, muscle groups, bone and cartilage well being, astaxanthin contributes to the safety of cells and DNA from oxidative stress.
Every of the formulations use pure extracts as flavorings—with no sweeteners, sugars or synthetic preservatives—and are processed in a means which optimizes absorption and bioavailability.
“Collagen by itself is kind of tough to soak up, however we use hydrolyzed bovine peptides,” Fenn stated. “As a result of they’re hydrolyzed, they’re damaged down in such a means that the physique can take in them higher. Then we’ve added further fat to encapsulate them since you take in all vitamins higher in the event that they’re mixed with fats.”
Tackling criticism
Fenn says the smoothie sachets are an excellent grab-and-go choice for customers searching for wholesome but scrumptious omega-3 dietary supplements.
“We have now made merchandise that we might wish to have ourselves,” she stated. “Our superb is that when a mother or father is shopping for a deal with for his or her youngster within the store, they’ll select a scrumptious DHA complement which is able to feed that youngster’s mind versus a chocolate bar or a pack of sweets.”
On tackling criticism for showing as an ultra-processed meals, Fenn stated: “We’ve had just a few factors on the merchandise trying an excessive amount of like treats or ‘too scrumptious’, however that’s sort of what we’re going for. We would look processed, however it’s as clear as you will get. It’s extremely helpful for the mind, however it’s disguised as a deal with.”
Talking in regards to the subsequent steps for O3Smoothies, Fenn stated she would love the model to change into “the most important in omega-3 dietary supplements throughout the board.”
“We wish to bridge the hole between a complement and a meals, providing wholesome treats that are accessible for households, kids and adults.”
The brand new O3Smoothie flavors will launch throughout Europe firstly of April. Merchandise will likely be accessible on-line and in retailer at Entire Meals and different retailers (RRP: £29.95/30 sachets).
