From the Springboard Content Lab
In one of the largest collaborations between Université de Moncton and private industry, researchers contributed to the development of a breakthrough discovery in plant-based dietary supplements which offer some of the highest non-genetically modified levels of Omega-3 fatty acids available on the market.
The product, made from Ahiflower (B. Arvensis), is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which provide health benefits and bring a renewable alternative to the Omega-3 edible oil market.
The plant-based oil is now sold across North America and around the world by industry partner Nature’s Crops International.
Edible oil is sustainable alternative to marine based omega oils
UMoncton professors Dr. Marc Surette and Martin Filion worked with Natures Crops to develop an edible oil that offers an alternative to marine-based Omega-3 fatty acid sources.
Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with healthy cell function and other health benefits and are suitable to vegetarians who don’t consume seafood.
According to the company, this renewable source of Omega-3 fatty acids is a sustainable alternative to marine-based products.
“Natures Crops International developed Ahiflower® oil to provide the world with an ecologically regenerative source of whole, balanced plant omegas.”
Oil extraction plant built in PEI
The Moncton clinical trials showed that volunteers who took Ahiflower oil had four times the Omega-3 in their systems, compared to those who took flaxseed oil. The Ahiflower oil also contains Omega-6 fatty acids not found in flaxseed.
Since the research was completed, North-Carolina-based Nature Crops has opened an oil extraction plant in Prince Edward Island.
Research supported by UMoncton commercialization office
The UMoncton BSI team supported the professors in their efforts to obtain the major funding, as well as in the implementation of research agreements with the company.
This research received $6 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and from the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation. This study was partially funded by Technology Crops International.
Researchers also received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the New Brunswick Innovation Research Chairs and the Canada Research Chairs Program.
Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 colleges and universities specializing in research commercialization and industry-led research in Atlantic Canada. It is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency , Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and member institutions.
The AAU represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.
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