Fish oil is a cornerstone in the world of dietary supplements, thanks to its unrivalled content of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are essential for cardiovascular and cognitive health. However, every manufacturer knows how fragile this ingredient is. Traditional formulations constantly struggle against its greatest enemy: oxidation. Exposure to oxygen, light and heat triggers a rapid rancidity process that not only produces unpleasant odours and flavours, but also degrades valuable omega-3s, making the final product ineffective and unappealing to consumers.

Microencapsulation is the ideal technology to address these issues at their root, transforming fish oil into a stable, effective and versatile ingredient. This process creates a protective barrier around the active substance, offering crucial benefits for both formulation and the end consumer:

• Protection against oxidation: The biopolymeric coating obtained through coacervation isolates sensitive fatty acids from oxygen and light. This prevents rancidity, ensuring that fish oil maintains its freshness and full nutritional activity throughout the product’s shelf life. The result is a longer-lasting and more effective supplement.
• Elimination of unpleasant odour and taste: One of the main barriers to regular fish oil intake is its characteristic aftertaste. Microencapsulation completely masks pungent flavours and odours, making the supplement neutral and far more pleasant.
• Improved absorption and availability: The technology allows for controlled release of omega-3s at the intestinal level, thereby optimising their functional bioaccessibility. In this way, the oil is protected from the acidic stomach environment and can be better utilised by the body, maximising its nutritional benefits.

For companies aiming to offer a premium-quality fish oil supplement, the choice of raw material is crucial. IPS is a reliable supplier, capable of guaranteeing a stable, pure and highly effective raw material.

With IPS FlowActives® technology, you can transform fish oil into a stable, sensorially neutral and highly bioaccessible ingredient, delivering truly effective and competitive supplements to the market.