FDA encourages long-chain Omega-3 consumption
The FDA has agreed that scientific evidence indicates that long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids containing both (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may be beneficial in reducing coronary heart disease, and that food companies may begin using the FDA's new health claim immediately.
The FDA has agreed that scientific evidence indicates that long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids containing both (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may be beneficial in reducing coronary heart disease, and that food companies may begin using the FDA's new health claim immediately.
'Coronary heart disease is a significant health problem that causes 500,000 deaths annually in the United States,' said Dr Lester Crawford, acting FDA commissioner. 'This new qualified health claim for Omega-3 fatty acids should help consumers as they work to improve their health by identifying foods that contain these important compounds.' Omega Protein Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of fish oils containing long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids rich in EPA, not surprisingly applauded the new health claim: 'Consumers should look for both EPA and DHA content on food packages. DHA-only products are missing EPA, a fatty acid vital to good heart health,' said Joe von Rosenberg, president and ceo of Omega Protein. 'Our facility in Virginia is the only fully-integrated operation in the US that produces long-chain Omega-3s containing both EPA and DHA.
'Also, it is important that the FDA emphasised long-chain, not short-chain, Omega-3s. Long-chain Omega-3s are more beneficial than short-chain sources of Omega-3s such as flax, canola, soy and walnuts, because the body absorbs the protective benefits of long-chain Omega-3s more quickly and efficiently.'