Ascenta, an industry leader in omega-3 essential fatty acids, introduces NutraVege, nature’s highest potency and most complete vegetarian omega-3 supplement providing benefits similar to fish oil.

 

“Until recently, the vegetarian options for omega-3 lacked potency and did not provide the same benefits as omega-3 derived from fish,” said Marc St-Onge, president of Ascenta. “NutraVege uses new and potent omega-3 sources that deliver the amount of EPA and DHA our bodies need for optimal health.”

 

All people – vegetarian or not – need EFAs, as these are critical for optimal health and well-being. EFA’s must be obtained from food or supplements as our bodies cannot produce them. Obtaining the appropriate amount of EFA’s has been a major challenge for vegans and vegetarians because fish is the main source of both DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the active forms of omega-3. DHA and EPA provide the health benefits associated with this essential fatty acid, from overall well-being to cardiovascular, joint and mental health. Most vegetarian sources of omega-3, such as the predominant flax oil, contain ALA (alpha linoleic acid), a pre-cursor, non-active omega-3, that when converted into EPA and DHA in our bodies, translates into minimal amounts that have no significant health benefits.

 

NutraVege utilizes echium and algal oil as sources for EPA and DHA, respectively. Echium, a common plant found in many parts of the world, contains the omega-3 SDA (stearidonic acid), which readily and efficiently converts to EPA in our bodies. Studies have demonstrated that SDA from echium coverts to EPA at a rate of approximately 20 percent, compared with just 3.28 percent for flax. A further advantage of echium is that it is a natural source of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) omega-6, which supports an anti-inflammatory effect in the body and promotes healthy skin. Algal oil comes from marine algae, which is the original source of DHA found in fish. So, in effect, the DHA present in algal oil and NutraVege is identical to that found in fish.

 

NutraVege contains 400mg of DHA, 420mg of GLA and 550mg of SDA per serving.   It comes in a delicious natural citrus flavor and is suitable for children, adolescents and adults.   NutraVege contains only the highest quality natural ingredients and uses a unique green tea antioxidant to protect against oxidation, ensuring that the product retains its great taste through the entire shelf life.

 

NutraVege, as all other Ascenta products, is certified by Pure Check, the company’s quality program through which each batch is tested for quality, purity and label claims. Quality test results are posted online at www.ascentahealth.com for consumers to see.

 

 

About Ascenta Health Ltd.

Ascenta Health Ltd. is a leading developer of natural health products. Ascenta is headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. The company develops, produces and markets omega-3 supplements for human and animal health. Its human products under the NutraSea brand have a dominant 43 per cent share of the Canadian market. Ascenta products are sold throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

 

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For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Orozco

Ascenta

902-435-7329 ext 226