Welcome to the October issue of the CMG Ingredient Spotlight! This month, we’re excited to feature CETO3®.
Ingredient Spotlight: CETO3®
By Dr Brad McEwen PhD, MHSc, MPH, BHSc
CMG Head of Products and Innovation
Fatty fish are renowned for being rich sources of the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA (20:5 n-3) and DHA (22:6 n-3), which are vital for human health. However, there are notable differences in the fatty acid compositions among various pelagic fish species. For example, North Atlantic fish like capelin and herring contain lower levels of EPA and DHA, approximately 8% of total fatty acids, compared to the South American sardine, which boasts around 23%. In contrast, North Atlantic species are higher in long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC MUFA), particularly cetoleic acid (22:1 n-11), which makes up about 17-22% of their fatty acid content, while sardines contain only about 1%. Research suggests that cetoleic acid may enhance the conversion of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) into EPA and DHA, and fish oil rich in cetoleic acid has been shown to elevate the Omega-3 index.
CET03® is a fish oil product sourced from North Atlantic herring, comprising approximately 20% omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and 50% monounsaturated fatty acids, with about 23% cetoleic acid (C 22:1 n-11). Studies suggest that the intake of cetoleic acid facilitates the metabolic conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3, ALA) into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
A 12-week double-blind randomised trial was conducted to assess the impact of CET03® compared to traditional fish oil on omega-3 levels. Participants were assigned to consume either two 1 g capsules of CET03® or two 1 g fish oil capsules daily with meals. Each CET03® capsule provided 200 mg of DHA/EPA (totalling 400 mg per day), while each fish oil capsule contained 300 mg DHA/EPA (600 mg per day). The results indicated that CET03® led to an increase in the Omega-3 Index from 4.96% to 5.73% (a 15.52% rise), which was comparable to the fish oil group, which increased from 5.55% to 6.24% (a 12.43% rise). These findings suggest that, on a pro-rata basis, CET03® may offer a 50% enhancement in the Omega-3 Index relative to the fish oil capsules used in the study.
CET03® points of difference:
- Contains Cetoleic acid (Omega-11) and Omega-3 EPA and DHA
- Cetoleic acid is the main fatty acid in North Atlantic Herring
- Cetoleic acid stimulates and increases the body’s own production of EPA/DHA
- No fishy smell, taste or unpleasant reflux – can be taken as both liquid and capsule
- Human grade production process without any solvent or chemicals
- Low on pollutants as pelagic fish swim neither up in the surface or bottom of the ocean
- CETO3® is harvested and produced in Norway
- Single source fish Omega-3 ingredient
- Immediate processing: from fresh fish to oil takes as little as 30 minutes
- Low carbon footprint
- GOED member
- Friends of the sea certified
- Marine Trust certified
- Fished and harvested under Norwegian Quotas