Recently, a variety of Omega-3 products have been marketed under the names 4th Generation Omega-3 or natural TG Omega-3 (nTG). However, the term 'natural TG' was originally used interchangeably with the 1st Generation TG form of Omega-3. This type was not widely used due to its low bioavailability and strong fishy smell. So why is this natural TG being advertised as '4th Generation' and gaining attention again?
In fact, the term '4th Generation Omega-3' is not yet an officially established concept. More precisely, it refers to vegan Omega-3 derived from microalgae using eco-friendly methods. Today, let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of this microalgae-derived Omega-3.
Major Benefits of Microalgae Omega-3
1. A Sustainable Source of Omega-3
Microalgae mainly contain Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), making them a great alternative to traditional fish-based Omega-3. Microalgae serve as primary producers of Omega-3 fatty acids in the marine ecosystem, playing a crucial role in addressing the issue of declining marine resources (Adarme-Vega et al., 2012).
2. High Bioavailability and Stability
The Omega-3 fatty acids in microalgae oil are found in the polar lipid form, which offers superior bioavailability and stability. Additionally, microalgae-derived oil includes nutrients such as sterols and carotenoids, which add significant nutritional value (Ryckebosch et al., 2014).
3. Cultivation in Tropical Environments
Some species of microalgae, like Tetraselmis sp. DS3, can grow even at high temperatures, making them suitable for large-scale cultivation in tropical regions. This characteristic makes them ideal for sustainable Omega-3 production (Tsai et al., 2016).
4. Rich in Nutrients and Functional Compounds
Microalgae not only contain EPA and DHA but also carotenoids and other antioxidant compounds, which provide several health benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation (Stiefvatter et al., 2021).
5. Reduced Heavy Metal Contamination
Fish-based Omega-3 comes with the risk of heavy metal contamination, but microalgae-derived Omega-3 avoids this issue. This makes it a safer alternative for Omega-3 supplementation (Doughman et al., 2007)
Drawbacks of Microalgae Omega-3
1. Oxidative Stability Issues
Microalgae-derived Omega-3 fatty acids face challenges related to oxidative stability. These oils are susceptible to oxidation and hydrolysis, which can compromise the quality and efficacy of Omega-3 during storage (Ryckebosch et al., 2013).
2. Environmental and Health Concerns During Extraction
The process of extracting Omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae requires large amounts of organic solvents and high energy, which can be harmful to the environment and pose potential health risks. Although more eco-friendly extraction methods are being developed, they still face limitations compared to traditional processes (Castejón, 2022).
3. Growth Limitation at High Temperatures
Some microalgae species struggle to grow at high temperatures, limiting large-scale cultivation in tropical climates. This can increase production costs and make mass production in such environments difficult (Tsai et al., 2016).
4. Limited Bioavailability
The bioavailability of microalgae-derived Omega-3 may be limited compared to marine sources. These limitations may reduce the overall effectiveness of Omega-3 supplements in the body (Stiefvatter et al., 2021).
5. Oxidative Stability Issues
Due to the ease of oxidation, microalgae oil may experience nutrient loss during storage and consumption. This presents a major challenge for commercial applications (Ryckebosch et al., 2013).
Conclusion: The Potential and Limitations of Microalgae Omega-3
Omega-3 derived from microalgae presents significant potential as a sustainable Omega-3 source. It offers advantages such as protecting marine ecosystems, reducing heavy metal contamination, and providing functional nutrients. However, it also faces challenges, including oxidative stability issues and environmental concerns during extraction.
To overcome these challenges, more efficient and eco-friendly production and extraction methods need to be developed. Microalgae Omega-3 is expected to play a significant role as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative in the future, allowing more consumers to enjoy healthy Omega-3 safely.
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