NORSAN regulatory study

INCREASE OMEGA-3 INDEX WITH NORSAN OMEGA-3 TOTAL

61% increase in omega-3 index in erythrocytes by omega-3 supplementation with NORSAN Omega-3 Total (fish oil)

Background:

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties and are important for the development and function of central organs such as the brain and eyes. Moreover, a high omega-3 index is positive for cardiovascular health. A scientific publication by Albert et al. concluded that a risk reduction of up to 90% for sudden cardiac death can be expected with a high omega-3 index (greater than 8%) compared to a low omega-3 index (less than 4%).

The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for health have been questioned in some scientific studies. This is not surprising, since several factors are crucial to the absorption into the body, and thus the effect, of omega-3 fatty acids. These include product-specific factors such as sufficient dosage and the quality of the oil, as well as individual factors and whether ingestion occurs along with a meal or on an "empty" stomach.

The confusion is mainly due to the fact that omega-3 supplementation does not necessarily have the desired effect on the omega-3 index. For an induvial person, the goal should not be to just take a supplement, but to have enough omega-3 fatty acids in his/her body. The NORSAN products follow this methodical approach and can prove that our products affect the omega-3 index in the intended way.

Methodology:

Male and female patients older than 18 years were informed about the possibility of participation by the treating physician. Prerequisite for participation was a previous fatty acid analysis performed by the laboratory Omegametrix GmbH in Martiensried. Fatty acid analysis is a tested and documented analytical method with a high stability of the analytical values, including the HS Omega-3 Index®. Patients who had used an omega-3 product in the past 3 months were excluded. The observation period for application was set at 4 months (tolerance period of 3.5 to 5 months). During this period, the daily intake was 8 ml NORSAN Omega-3 Total, corresponding to a dose of 2,000 mg of omega-3. After 4 months, a new fatty acid analysis was performed and the HS-Omega-3 Index®. Based on the fatty acid analysis performed at the beginning and at the end of the application observation, the results could be statistically evaluated. The study ran from 2018 to 2020.

The result:

On average, the Omega-3 Index® increased by 61 % from a baseline value of 5.2 % to an Omega-3 Index® of 8.4 %. In 20 of 33 participants, the HS Omega-3 Index® was in the optimal range of ≥8 % at the end of the study. Only in 6 patients no or only a slight increase in the HS-Omega-3-Index® could be observed. The reason for this could possibly be intake on an empty stomach or inconsistent intake during the intake period.