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The latest research by animal and food nutrition company Humanativ has shown that large eggs from hens whose diet has been enriched with OmegaPro, a source of algal oil, can provide up to 43% of an adult’s daily omega-3 DHA requirements.
The research, carried out in partnership with the Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph in Canada, was presented at the 23rd European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition in June and the American Society for Nutrition conference “Nutrition 2023” in July.
The research assessed two forms of algal oil: crude algal oil and Humanativ’s product “OmegaPro”, against a non-enriched control. Two levels of enrichment for both treatments were assessed. The regular level is representative of what is fed commercially, whilst the higher levels were assessed to show if there would be a negative impact on the birds. No negative impact of either level on bird performance and health and welfare was noted.
The trial showed that OmegaPro-enriched eggs and hens delivered superior levels of omega-3 DHA compared to the control, which would contribute towards improved heart, brain, and vision health of consumers. The omega-3 DHA level of the spent hen meat was also increased, thereby improving its nutritive value.
Total omega-3 fatty acid levels were also increased in the OmegaPro enriched diets compared to the control diet.
Dr Eva Lewis, Head of Food Innovation at Humanativ commented “This is the latest in a series of research that has shown our ability to naturally enrich commonly eaten foods with the objective of making healthy eating an easy choice. Being able to consume nearly half of your daily omega-3 DHA needs in one large egg means consumers aren’t having to change habits.
“80% of the population is deficient in omega-3 DHA; people either don’t like eating oily fish or forget to regularly consume capsules. Enriching eggs and other key sources of protein with OmegaPro provides an effective, sustainable, and affordable solution to address the inadequate global consumption of such an important dietary nutrient”.
For further details on the trial, and how we can enrich your egg range cost-effectively, contact eva.lewis@humanativ.com
