NoordCode Ultimate Omega Formula

Calanus: new source of omega-3s and other marine fats

From fish oil to krill oil, cod liver oil, and even plant-based options like algal oil, omega-3 fatty acids come in many supplement forms. From Norway, Calanus oil offers an innovative source of omega-3s with a host of additional benefits. Calanus oil's unique characteristics fit well with the growing interest in versatile omega-3 supplements. This puts it right at the top of high-quality omega-3 products.

What is Calanus finmarchicus

Calanus finmarchicus (Calanus for short) is an animal plankton found in the cold waters of the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and northern Atlantic Ocean. This small copepod, measuring about 3 mm, feeds mainly on phytoplankton. Calanus itself serves as an essential food source for various marine animals, including whales and fish such as herring and cod. This makes it a crucial link in the ocean food chain, where it is abundant.

Oil with a full spectrum of marine fatty acids

With 40+ different fatty acids, Calanus oil is more than an omega-3 supplement; it is an enrichment for any diet. Diversity is the foundation of balanced nutrition, with a wide range of nutrients contributing to optimal well-being. The oil contains a balanced mix of fatty acids: 15% monounsaturated, 24% polyunsaturated, and 16% saturated.

Calanus oil, like high-quality olive oil, is close to its natural source. Thanks to minimal processing, the intrinsic benefits of the product are preserved, ready to use.

Better omega-3 stability and absorption as wax esthers

Calanus finmarchicus stores fatty acids in wax esthers. In this process, a fatty acid is bound to a policosanol, which together form a single chain. Fatty acids in wax esthers are less susceptible to oxidation than fatty acids in triglyceride or phospholipid form. In addition, the omega-3 fats in wax esthers also appear to be more absorbable. Better stability and absorption are excellent pluses for any omega-3 oil.

1.8 mg astaxanthin as a natural preservative

Astaxanthin is a hugely versatile compound and serves, among other things, as a natural preservative in Calanus oil. The presence of astaxanthin is one of the main points of interest for krill oil. Two capsules of Ultimate Omega Formula contain 1.8 mg of astaxanthin. This is a very respectable dosage and 18x as much as in an average krill oil.

Interesting fats in Calanus oil: Policosanols and the omega-3 SDA

Calanus oil offers a diverse mix of fats, including EPA, DHA and astaxanthin. After these beneficial fats, SDA and policosanols stand out as compounds of interest.

Stearidonic acid (SDA) is a relatively unknown omega-3 fatty acid. SDA is a intermediate step in the conversion of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA to EPA.

Per two capsules, Ultimate Omega Formula contains:

• 69 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• 51 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• 74 mg stearidonic acid (SDA)

This gives Calanus oil a broader omega-3 profile than other omega-3 oils, in which SDA occurs little to not at all.

Policosanols, a type of fatty alcohol, are mainly known from plant sources, such as seeds, nuts and leaves. With 40% policosanols, Calanus oil is the first marine source and is likely to provide similar benefits.

Calanus oil Quality Guarantee: Purity and Stability

Top quality omega-3 supplement are distinguished by low oxidation levels and an uncontaminated source. In this, Ultimate Omega Formula stands a level above traditional fish and krill oil thanks to the unique properties of Calanus finmarchicus.

The unique wax esther compound and the natural astaxanthin from Calanus provide exceptional protection against oxidation. The low position on the food chain, short life cycle and clean habitat of Calanus finmarchicus contribute to minimal contamination. This is supported by a carefully controlled production process that preserves the integrity of these precious fats.

To ensure the highest standards of purity and stability, Calanus oil undergoes strict quality controls, including:

• Detecting and excluding heavy metals.
• Checking for microbiological contaminants.
• Assessing the absence of environmental toxins.
• Evaluating the level of oxidation to ensure freshness.

TOTOX score determination for oxidation

The TOTOX score is a measure of oxidation, which consists of the peroxidation value (PV) and anisidine value (AV). For Ultimate Omega Formula, the AV cannot be determined due to the dark colour of the oil. Other tests for oxidation, such as the PV, still guarantee the high stability and extremely low oxidation rate.

Sustainable extraction and production of Calanus oil

Calanus was recognised as a valuable raw material from the sea only a few years ago. The Norwegian company Zooca is the only producer of this natural product. As a pioneer in Calanus oil production, Zooca controls the entire production process, leading to unparalleled quality and sustainability.

Renewable, clean source of fats from the sea

Calanus oil production has minimal ecological impact. This is mainly due to the huge available biomass of Calanus. By comparison, global fisheries and aquaculture harvest around 158 million tonnes annually. Every year, 290 million tonnes of Calanus are created. Of this, 10% is eaten by marine animals, 80% dies off and 10% survives to continue the population next year. Of this huge amount, the Norwegian government allows only 254,000 tonnes - or 0.1% - to be caught annually.

Calanus' one-year life cycle and diet of phytoplankton ensures very low accumulation of pollutants. This makes the oil naturally clean and pure, without extensive purification processes.

Sustainable catch and minimal processing

Regular fishing boats catch Calanus with special fine-mesh nets, which minimise bycatch. On board, the Calanus is immediately frozen in blocks to preserve freshness. This method is certified by 'Friend of the Sea' and guarantees an environmentally friendly catch.

At Zooca's modern, specialised facility, Calanus oil is extracted from the blocks of frozen Calanus.

1. The Calanus blocks are thawed, mixed with water and ground.
2. Enzymes separate the fats and proteins. In the process, the Calanus does not exceed 95°C.
3. Via centrifugation, the Calanus oil separates from the ground Calanus.
4. The Calanus oil is now ready for use.

The rest of the Calanus is used as pet food and fish feed. The water is disposed of after careful cleaning. Nothing of the Calanus remains unused.