Land-based long-chain omega-3 canola oil supports human and aquaculture fatty acid needs

Abstract: Marine resources for human consumption and for aquaculture are under pressure. Furthermore, it is estimated that globally, few individuals consume adequate amounts of long chain omega-3 (ω3) fatty acids in the diet or via supplementation. Even at this sub-optimal intake rate, there is a deficit between global supply and demand for these important fatty acids, creating urgent need for alternative sustainable and affordable solutions. This presentation will review the biotechnology used to create a novel ω3 canola oil and the studies demonstrating its benefits. Human clinical research showed that key fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are readily absorbed and increased markers of omega-3 status in healthy adults consuming ω3 canola oil were observed acutely, at 4-weeks and over a 16-week period (Fig 1). Sensory benefits were also noted by participants. Aquaculture trials throughout the lifecycle of Atlantic salmon, where this oil replaced all or part of oils typically used in fish feed, demonstrated that growth and performance were comparable to fish fed conventional fish-oil based diets; no adverse effects were attributed to use of ω3 canola oil. Fatty acid deposition in muscle (fillet) reflected feed composition (Fig 2), resulting in accumulation of ALA, EPA and DHA and a favorable ω6:ω3 ratio, making salmon fed ω3 canola oil a sustainable source of these nutrients for human consumption. Reduced melanin deposits were also observed in fish fed ω3 canola oil. Notably, ω3 canola crops are much less resource-intensive than algae oil and release fewer greenhouse gases than harvesting fish oil by boat. Collectively, this research program demonstrates the safety, efficacy and positive environmental impact of ω3 canola oil.