GC Rieber VivoMega and OmegaQuant team up to test omega-3 levels at SupplySide West

10-Oct-2023 - Last updated on 10-Oct-2023 at 09:50 GMT

An Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher is ideal. Most people in the U.S. have an index of 4% or below, according to OmegaQuant © deliormanli / Getty Images

Norwegian fish and microalgae oil supplier GC Rieber VivoMega is partnering with nutritional analytics firm OmegaQuant to provide free Omega-3 Index testing at the SupplySide West trade show in Las Vegas on Oct. 25-26.

“We want to make a big splash at SSW this year to show our ongoing commitment to excellence,” said Christopher Hachey, U.S. business development manager at GC Rieber VivoMega. “Partnering with OmegaQuant to provide these Omega-3 Index tests, followed by a sample of our products and a second Omega-3 Index test, will show attendees how our products help improve omega-3 levels.”

The test, developed by OmegaQuant, will be provided at booth #3552 to measure plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Optimal omega-3 levels

An Omega-3 Index of 8% or higher is ideal, however, most people hover around 6% or below. While people in countries like Norway and Japan typically score 8% or higher thanks to the omega-3s in their fish-based diets, much of the U.S. population has an index of 4% or below, according to OmegaQuant.

“At previous shows, we have been able to show that even the healthiest people, many of whom are in this industry, still struggle to reach an optimal Omega-3 Index of 8%,” Jason Polreis, CEO at OmegaQuant, told NutraIngredients-USA. “We’ll see what the data show this time around.”

He added that OmegaQuant research indicates that people scoring under 8% will likely need a combination of two servings a fish a week and an omega-3 supplement to reach optimal levels.

After testing, participants will receive samples of GC Rieber’s omega-3 concentrates and a follow-up Omega-3 Index test. Polreis recommended waiting three to four months before retesting to be able to detect the impact of supplementation or dietary changes on index scores.

Platinum sampling program

VivoMega will also be showcasing its newest platinum sampling program, which the company called “a perfect solution to ensure a high delivery dosage for omega-3”.

“Our Platinum line is our highest omega-3 concentrated fish oils, providing maximum dosage of EPA and DHA and giving brands opportunities to explore smaller capsules, fewer daily capsules needed and new co-formulation with other ingredients,” Ståle Søfting, sales and marketing director at GC Rieber VivoMega, told NutraIngredients-USA.

The line also includes the brand’s high-concentration vegan omega-3 from microalgae, an offering that VivoMega says is adapted to new consumer demand for omega-3 alternatives. The algae oil is produced using GC Rieber’s proprietary SuperLight processing technology in a tightly controlled system to ensure potency, stability and purity, as well as optimal resource utilization with little to no waste.

“There is a lot of interest in exploring sustainable, vegan omega-3 solutions at this time, not only among amongst those seeking vegan specific options but also for those looking at alternative omega-3 sources to fish,” Søfting said. “This has been reinforced by the supply challenges currently seen in the fish which is affecting both cost and availability.”

GC Rieber views the line extension as part of its long-term commitment as an omega-3 solutions provider.