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[Case Study] How N.T. Solutions developed a stable and highly available Microencapsulated Fish Oil Supplement

 

The problem:

N.T. Solutions, a company specializing in contract manufacturing of dietary supplements, observed a growing demand from client brands for innovative fish oil-based omega-3 solutions with improved stability, taste, and absorption.

There is no doubt about the nutritional benefits of fish oil: EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids with proven benefits for the heart, brain, and vision. [1] [2]
However, using fish oil comes with several technical and sensory challenges, including:

  • rapid oxidation → reduced efficacy and rancidity, leading to active ingredient degradation and unpleasant odors.
  • organoleptic issues: the aroma and taste of fish oil are hard to mask, especially in formats like single-dose sachets, and tend to return during digestion.
  • difficulty stabilizing in powdered or sachet form
  • industrial handling issues (liquid, viscous, sensitive oil)

N.T. Solutions had a clear goal: offer its partner brands a marine-based omega-3 that is highly effective while overcoming the limitations of traditional fish oil.

Thus began the search for a solution that was:

  • stable over time
  • pleasant to consume
  • compatible with the company’s production facilities

 

Attempted solutions:

Initial formulation strategies proved ineffective due to key issues:

  • Softgels: though popular, they did not fully prevent oxidation and often had residual odors.
  • Gummies: provided lower oxidative protection, ingredient incompatibility (fish oil is lipophilic while gummies are water-based), and limited oil load per gummy.
  • Antioxidants: helpful but insufficient to prevent instability, especially if the oil was exposed to oxygen during processing.

 

The winning solution: Microencapsulation of Fish Oil

N.T. Solutions ultimately adopted FLOWACTIVES® microencapsulation technology to protect and enhance fish oil from the production stage.

FLOWACTIVES® microcapsules enclose fish oil in a protective matrix of gelatin, creating a barrier that:

  • Shields the oil from light, oxygen, and humidity
  • Prevents oxidation and rancidity
  • Partially masks odor and taste
  • Allows for controlled and gastro-resistant release (optional)

The result? A stable, safe, and perfectly dosable microencapsulated powder.

Thanks to FLOWACTIVES®, N.T. Solutions was able to:

  • Expand its offer with an innovative FishOil for partner brands
  • Improve omega-3 shelf-life and stability
  • Eliminate fishy aftertaste for a better user experience
  • Optimize production by eliminating the need for handling liquid oil
  • Ensure precise dosing

 

Conclusions:

By introducing FLOWACTIVES® fish oil microcapsules, N.T. Solutions successfully met partner brand expectations, offering a functional, stable, and safe ingredient ideal for formats like hard capsules and single-dose sachets, enabling:

  • better long-term preservation of the active ingredient
  • enhanced sensory experience with reduced fishy aftertaste
  • targeted, prolonged, and more effective release, improving bioavailability over non-microencapsulated fish oil
  • optimized nutrient dosing and industrial management

Microencapsulation proved to be a game-changer for N.T. Solutions, enabling the company to offer high-performance fish oil solutions that meet the growing demand for quality, effectiveness, and innovation.

“The turning point was being able to manage a delicate active like fish oil in the form of a free-flowing, machine-friendly powder. A perfect solution for capsules and sachets.”
— R&D Team, N.T. Solutions


[1] Elgar, K. (2022) EPA/DHA: A Review of Clinical Use and Efficacy. Nutr. Med J., 2 (2), 95-130
[2] AlijaniA, Andreas Hahn, William S. Harris, Jan Philipp Schuchardt (2025) Bioavailability of EPA and DHA in humans– A comprehensive review Sepideh