Superba Krill: A Source of Phospholipid Omega-3s & So Much More

Transcription

1 Superba Krill: A Source of Phospholipid Omega-3s & So Much More Superba Krill is extracted exclusively from Euphausia superba, an Antarctic krill species rich in the omega-3 fa y acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). A species of zooplankton invertebrates, krill move in huge swarms throughout pure Antarctic waters and feed on microscopic algae, which is what largely provides its diet with such a robust source of omega-3s. Algae is also rich in astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that gives Superba its distinctive red color and, more importantly, acts as a natural preservative to its omega-3 fatty acids. Recognized for its health-promoting suppression of free radicals, astaxanthin keeps Superba Krill fresh, protecting the omega-3 fa y acids from oxidation, which means no additives are necessary to maintain its long-term stability. Superba Krill s long chain omega-3s are be er recognized by the body because they are attached to phospholipids, resulting in higher cellular incorporation, as opposed to triglyceride-based omega-3s (such as those found in fish and algae), which must be converted by the liver before they can be used by the body s cells. Powered by these phospholipids, Superba Krill ensures the delivery of the key fa y acids EPA and DHA to various parts of the human body, such as the brain, heart and joints. Phospholipid Omega-3s Krill is an appealing source of omega-3s because its key fa y acids are more bio-efficient. The first and most noticeable benefit is smaller pills. The second benefit is the absence of reflux because krill s omega-3s actually mix with the stomach contents, avoiding burp-back and other unpleasant digestive issues frequently associated with other marine sources of omega-3s. Superba Krill omega-3s are transported and integrated into cell membranes quicker and more efficiently because they are bound to phospholipids. As part of cell membranes, the omega-3 fa y acids EPA and DHA have the ability to influence fluidity, signalling processes, and metabolic parameters in the cell. In other words, the more omega-3s in your cells, the more flexible they are and the be er they function. But it doesn t stop there; besides omega-3s, phospholipids and astaxanthin, Superba Krill also contains choline, a nutrient essential to liver, heart and cognitive function. Superba Krill is naturally rich in essential nutrients Krill Components Characteristics - A particular class of fa y acids that are LONG CHAIN found in fat and membranes or are used OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS (EPA & DHA) as energy - Recognized health benefits documented in more than 20,000 publications - Essential nutrients that benefit the heart, joints, brain, skin, and eyes PHOSPHOLIPIDS - A lipid consisting of a phosphate and glycerol group and two fa y acids - The best delivery form of EPA and DHA - Represent the building blocks of cell membranes CHOLINE - An essential nutrient - A biochemical building block important for liver, heart, and cognitive health ASTAXANTHIN - A carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties - Protects the omega-3 fa y acids in krill oil from oxidation, keeping them naturally fresh and stable over time i.e., a natural preservative

2 HEALTH BENEFITS Superba Krill omega-3s address many health areas, such as heart, brain and joint health. The body be er utilizes krill omega-3s because they are bound to phospholipids, which is unique among marine species. In studies, Superba Krill has been shown to increase the Omega-3 Index faster and more efficiently compared to other marine and algal sources. Krill preferentially raises the Omega-3 Index compared to other sources of omega-3s SUPERBA KRILL CONSUMPTION DAYS OF TREATMENT OMEGA-3 INDEX In one study, participants started out with an average Omega-3 Index of 2.0, a relatively low value. A er 8 weeks of daily supplementation with 2 grams of Superba Krill, the average index went up to 4.5, an increase of 125%. In fact, an increase of 45% in the Omega-3 Index was seen a er just 2 weeks (see figure at le ). These observations show that the phospholipid omega-3s from Superba Krill are taken up from the gut to the blood stream and that EPA and DHA are incorporated into the cells. In another soon-to-be-published study, researchers also investigated Superba Krill s ability to lower triglycerides without raising LDL, the bad cholesterol (which has been the case in some fish oil trials) in those who have borderline high or high triglyceride levels. Three hundred subjects participated in this randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center U.S. study. The five treatment groups included a placebo group (olive oil), as well as 4 groups taking 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 grams of krill oil daily. This study showed a triglyceride-lowering effect without impacting LDL levels. Study authors concluded from their findings that Superba Krill oil is effective in reducing cardiovascular risk factors important in the treatment of dyslipidemia. There are key differences between phospholipid omega-3s and triglyceride omega-3s Triglyceride structure (not soluble in water) Hydrophobic Phospholipid structure (water soluble) Hydrophilic Hydrophobic G L Y G L Y C E R C E R O L Phosphate O L The Omega-3 Index is a diagnostic tool that provides feedback on an individual s omega-3 status. By recording the percentage concentration of omega-3s in red blood cells, the Omega-3 Index provides a useful indication of a person s long-term intake of these fa y acids. Because the Omega-3 Index reflects the incorporation of omega-3s in cell membranes, which provide numerous health benefits, the Omega-3 Index is suggested to correlate with both the health of the body and its omega-3 status. In other words, an improvement of the ratio of EPA and DHA to other fa y acids in the cell membrane is a strong indicator of a person s state of health. CLINICALLY PROVEN Superba Krill is backed by a growing evidence base. In fact, the majority of clinical trials conducted on krill during the last several years have featured Superba Krill. Recently, two human intervention studies investigated if the molecular form (phospholipid vs. triglyceride) of omega-3 fa y acids is of importance for the uptake of EPA and DHA in blood plasma. Omega-3 fa y acids from fish Triglycerides Energy for fat storage Intestinal digestion 2-monoglycerides Free fa y acids Blood circulation Liver Whole organism Energy supply and fat storage Incorporation in tissues Omega-3 fa y acids from krill Phospholipids Cell incorporation Intestinal absorption Lysophospholipids Free fa y acids Blood circulation Preferential transport to the cells Incorporation in tissues including brain (a er crossing the blood-brain barrier) Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS Fjordallèen 16, 0115 Oslo, Norway [email protected] Phone: Aker BioMarine Antarctic US 410 Newport Way NW, Suite D, Issaquah, WA [email protected] Phone: (206)

3 Superba Krill: A Sustainable & 100% Traceable Source of Omega-3s Sustainability has been at the core of Aker BioMarine s mission since its inception. Given the importance of krill as a keystone species in Antarctica, the company s commitment to ensuring its future and the future of the animals that depend on krill as a primary food source is paramount. HARVEST QUOTAS The current annual sustainable harvesting quota is 9.3% (5.6 million metric tons) of the total estimated biomass (60.3 million metric tons) in Area 48 where Aker BioMarine and others are licensed to harvest krill. However, out of abundant caution The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has set an even lower precautionary quota on the annual krill harvest of 620,000 tons, or 1% of the total estimated biomass in the designated catch area. Krill is one of the largest underexploited stocks in the oceans; the actual current catch in the Southern Ocean is less than 200,000 tons per year or roughly 1/3 of 1% of the biomass. These catch limits are under CCAMLR s constant supervision and are reassessed annually and updated if necessary. In actuality, the krill fishery is one of the most sustainably managed in the world. Harvesting krill in Area 48 is highly regulated 60.3 MILLION TONS OF KRILL IN AREA % IS THE HARVEST QUOTA SET BY CCAMLR (around 5.6 million tons) 1/3 of 1% IS THE TOTAL AVERAGE CATCH OF THE ENTIRE KRILL FISHERY ANNUALLY (around 200,000 tons) AKER BIOMARINE S PREEMPTIVE APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY Aker BioMarine contributes to science by inviting scientists and researchers aboard its vessels. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF-Norway) and Aker BioMarine actively advocated for this arrangement in order to support sustainable fishing practices and to assist in the collection of scientific data to monitor the health and size of the krill biomass in Antarctica. This arrangement also allows for the evaluation of the potential effects of krill fishing on krill-dependent predators. In fact, Aker BioMarine recently completed a 4-year study on the impact of its fishery on predator species that consume krill. The study was reviewed by the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Co-Operative Research Centre and WWF-Norway. The research concluded: no effect on predators shown. Phospholipid Omega-3s

4 CCAMLR: For all intents and purposes, CCAMLR is the regulatory body that oversees krill harvesting in Area 48 in Antarctica. CCAMLR is a treaty-based organization responsible for preserving the resources of the Antarctic. It has 25 full member nations, and the process of obtaining a krill fishing license is stringent and restricted. The aim of the Convention is to conserve marine life in the Southern Ocean. CCAMLR is concerned not only with fisheries regulation; it also strives to implement a holistic approach to the management of marine living resources in the Southern Ocean. CCAMLR requires krill fishing vessels to report their activities on a weekly basis Aker BioMarine s krill fishing vessels report back to CCAMLR daily. CCAMLR also requires independent observers to be aboard krill fishing vessels 50% of the time Aker BioMarine s vessels have independent observers aboard their vessels 100% of the time. MSC: Superba is the only krill brand that is certified as being sustainable and 100% traceable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). MSC requirements meet global best practice guidelines for certification and eco-labeling programs. In fact, a recent study conducted by Accenture evaluated and ranked various eco-labels according to the stringency of their standards. MSC was ranked highest of all eco-labels surveyed (see bar graph below). MSC s certification is based upon the health of the target biomass and the impact on the ecosystem of the fishery management system in place. Its goal is to help transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis by recognizing and rewarding sustainable fishing practices. The MSC maintains a global standard for the certification of sustainable wild capture fisheries and a chain of custody traceability certification program. The organization works collaboratively with Aker BioMarine and others in business, fishing, science and conservation to offer buyers and consumers the ability to incentivize and reward sustainable fisheries through their purchasing choices. All products containing Superba Krill are certified by MSC. Accenture ranks MSC as top eco-label WWF: Another key environmental partner for Aker BioMarine is WWF-Norway. The organization works with Aker BioMarine to help it meet key MSC certification requirements, including mapping its fishing activities against local predator populations and ensuring that its fishing operations do not cause harm to the ecosystem. ECO-HARVESTING ELIMINATES BY-CATCH AND REDUCES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Aker BioMarine developed its patent pending Eco-Harvesting technology based on its krill harvesting activities since This technology, using a unique trawl system and direct hose connection between the trawl and the vessel, holds a special mechanism that singles out unwanted by-catch (non-krill species) and releases it unharmed. Aker BioMarine s Eco-Harvesting technology significantly improves upon regular trawling methods Harvesting krill in a commercially viable and environmentally sound way is challenging. Traditional trawling methods where the catch is hauled up on deck and emptied into holding tanks before processing is less suitable, as the krill contains highly digestive enzymes that can cause it to self-destruct before it is processed. Furthermore, unwanted by-catch (e.g. fish and seals) is a problem with regular trawling and may pose a threat to fragile marine ecosystems in the Antarctic. Aker BioMarine s Eco-Harvesting system allows the net to stay under water during the entire operation. Independent observers have verified that the proprietary technology and novel harvesting method ensures no by-catch of other species than Euphausia superba. In fact, by-catch represents about 0.001% of what Aker BioMarine brings aboard. As the equipment stays under water, a continuous stream of water flows through the hose, bringing the krill live and fresh directly into the factory vessel where it is immediately processed. Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS Fjordallèen 16, 0115 Oslo, Norway [email protected] Phone: Aker BioMarine Antarctic US 410 Newport Way NW, Suite D, Issaquah, WA [email protected] Phone: (206)

5 Superba Krill: A Pure, Safe Source of Omega-3s Antarctic krill are so low in the marine food chain and live in the cleanest waters on earth that they are naturally low in accumulated contaminants. These factors together make krill a truly superior source of nutrition for their natural predators as well as for humans. PURE KRILL NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS Superba Krill is unique in the marine omega-3 world due to the significantly fewer processing steps needed to create the final product. Relative to other marine omega-3 sources, krill is considered a whole food extract. In fact, because it is environmentally clean in its original form, no purification or distillation is required. Furthermore, the immediate on-board processing of Superba Krill prevents decomposition and degradation and protects the nutritional integrity of the product. Phospholipid Omega-3s Superba Krill s value chain is completely transparent HOW MANY STEPS DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOUR PUREST OMEGA-3S? KRILL SWARM ECO-HARVESTING PROCESSING KRILL ENCAPSULATION BOTTLE CONSUMER

6 SAFETY & STABILITY Currently there are no known toxicity levels for krill oil. Antarctic krill live in a naturally clean environment, devoid of pollution, so there s significantly less risk of heavy metals contamination. Furthermore, Superba Krill has undergone extensive in vitro, in vivo and human studies to determine its safety and lack of toxicity. Superba is sourced from one of the cleanest environments on Earth In a recently published human study with 76 men and women, 4 weeks of krill supplementation increased plasma EPA and DHA and was well tolerated, with no indication of adverse effects on safety parameters. However, people with known allergies to crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.) should not use krill products. The stability of products rich in omega-3s and the susceptibility to oxidation are well known challenges to those working with marine-sourced fa y acids. Superba has two great advantages over traditional long chain omega-3 products its high content of omega-3 phospholipids and the naturally occurring antioxidant astaxanthin. Scientific studies have shown that omega-3 fa y acids bound to phospholipids are far less prone to oxidation than omega-3 fa y acids in traditional triglyceride form. The powerful antioxidant astaxanthin also provides additional protection to the omega-3 fa y acids and prolongs product shelf-life. Astaxanthin inhibits fa y acid oxidation and thereby secures a stable lipid product within the capsule think of it as krill s natural preservative. Superba Krill s safety portfolio has been further evaluated by a panel of independent scientific experts and deemed safe for inclusion in foods, an important assessment known as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). This determination is based on its intended use in food by experts qualified by scientific training and expertise. Free of Environmental Contaminants Because krill live at the bottom of the food chain, they are virtually free of contaminants. The Krill Biomass Krill represent the largest biomass on Earth and most underexploited. Superba Krill Sourcing Superba Krill is sourced from Antarctic krill, which live in the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica. Krill Contains Astaxanthin The astaxanthin found in krill helps naturally preserve its omega-3 fatty acid content. Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS Fjordallèen 16, 0115 Oslo, Norway [email protected] Phone: Aker BioMarine Antarctic US 410 Newport Way NW, Suite D, Issaquah, WA [email protected] Phone: (206)

7 Superba Krill: Environmental & Socially Responsible Affiliations ASOC Founded in 1978, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) is the only nongovernmental organization (NGO) working full time to preserve the Antarctic continent and its surrounding Southern Ocean. A coalition of more than 30 NGOs interested in Antarctic environmental protection, ASOC represents the environmental community at Antarctic governance meetings and works to promote important Antarctic conservation goals. ARK Responsible krill harvesters make every effort to limit the environmental impact of the fishery. Founded by Aker BioMarine, the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARK) is a global krill industry association developed to promote research for the sustainable harvest of Antarctic krill and to generate scientific data from krill fishing operations in order to facilitate CCAMLR s management of the krill fishery. BAS The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is one of the world s leading environmental research centers. The organization is responsible for the UK s national scientific activities in the region. CCAMLR A treaty-based organization responsible for preserving the resources of the Antarctic. The aim of the Convention is to conserve marine life of the Southern Ocean. CCAMLR is concerned not only with fisheries regulation; it also strives to implement a holistic approach to the management of marine living resources in the Southern Ocean. CCAMLR has 25 full member nations, and the process of obtaining a license for krill fishing is stringent and restricted. GOED Aker BioMarine is a member of the Global Organization for EPA & DHA Omega-3s (GOED), which is commi ed to personal integrity, ethical corporate behavior, public safety and quality assurance. Its objectives are to educate consumers about the health benefits of EPA and DHA by working with industry, government groups and the healthcare community, while se ing high standards for omega-3 businesses. MRAG MRAG is a consulting firm dedicated to promoting the sustainable utilization of natural resources through sound integrated management policies and practices. MRAG has worked in most regions of the world, both in developed and developing nations, for a range of international clients that include both governments and intergovernment agencies. MSC The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is the world s leading certification and eco-labeling program for sustainable seafood. The organization s aim is to transform the world s seafood markets and promote sustainable fishing practices. USAP The United States Antarctic Program (USAP) represents the American Nation in Antarctica. Carrying forward U.S. goals supporting the Antarctic Treaty, the program strives to encourage international cooperation, maintain an active and influential presence in the region, and continue to conduct high-quality research. WWF From its origins as a small group of commi ed wildlife enthusiasts, WWF has grown into one of the world s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations supported by 5 million people and active in over 100 countries on five continents. WWF s mission is to stop the degradation of Earth s natural environment, and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. VITAMIN ANGELS The mission of Vitamin Angels is to mobilize and deploy private sector resources to advance availability, access and use of micronutrients, especially vitamin A, among at-risk populations in need. Vitamin Angels reduces child mortality worldwide by connecting essential nutrients such as omega-3s with infants and children under the age of five. Essential nutrients enable young immune systems to fight infectious diseases, helping children a ain good health and the opportunity to lead meaningful and productive lives. Phospholipid Omega-3s

8 FAQs WHAT IS SUPERBA KRILL? Superba Krill is extracted exclusively from Euphausia superba, an Antarctic krill species rich in the long chain omega-3 fa y acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Superba Krill omega-3s are be er recognized by the body because they are a ached to phospholipids, allowing be er assimilation into the cells. WHAT DOES SUPERBA KRILL CONTAIN? Each capsule of Superba Krill contains pure Antarctic krill, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, choline and the antioxidant astaxanthin. WHAT ARE OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS? Omega-3 fa y acids are long-chain, polyunsaturated fa y acids that play an important role in many processes in the human body. They are also essential fa y acids because our bodies do not synthesize them; omega-3 fa y acids must be obtained through diet. WHAT ARE EPA AND DHA? The most biologically active omega-3 fa y acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for early human development as well as health maintenance and disease prevention later in life. Not only do the body s cells and tissues need these long chain fa y acids for normal functioning, they also play important clinical roles as therapeutic agents. WHAT ARE PHOSPHOLIPIDS? Superba Krill is rich in phospholipid omega-3s EPA and DHA, which are more bio-efficient than other marine and algal oils. Phospholipid-bound omega-3 fa y acids are water dispersible, making them gentler on the stomach and more readily absorbed by the body. HOW DOES SUPERBA KRILL COMPARE TO OTHER MARINE SOURCES FROM A PURITY STANDPOINT? Antarctic krill live in some of the world s cleanest waters. Thus, the potential for absorption and storage of environmental toxins is minimal. Superba Krill is neither a manufactured concentrate nor a product in which the molecular structure of the oil or its constituents have been altered. IS IT SAFE? Currently there are no known toxicity levels for krill oil. In fact, Superba Krill has undergone extensive in vitro, in vivo and human studies to determine its safety and lack of toxicity. However, people with shellfish allergies should avoid krill-based products. WHAT S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OMEGA-3 TRIGLYCERIDES AND OMEGA-3 PHOSPHOLIPIDS? Omega-3 triglycerides (from intake of fish and algal oils) and omega-3 phospholipids (provided by Superba Krill) are digested differently, prior to entering the blood stream from the small intestine. Stated succinctly, krill oil undergoes different digestive and distribution routes than fish oil when it enters the body. WHAT IS THE OMEGA-3 INDEX? The Omega-3 Index is a diagnostic tool that provides feedback on an individual s omega-3 status. By recording the percentage concentration of omega-3s in red blood cells, the Omega-3 Index provides a useful indication of a person s long-term intake of omega-3s. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUPERBA KRILL OMEGA-3S? Superba Krill omega-3s address many health areas, such as: heart health, brain health, joint health, healthy inflammation and women s health. IS KRILL SUSTAINABLE? The oceans are home to enormous quantities of krill. The total weight of the world s krill is greater than the combined weight of the world s human population. With proper management of the krill fishery and vessels, krill harvesting is a sustainable practice. HOW DO KRILL LIVE? Antarctic krill spend most of their lifespan of five to seven years in large, densely populated swarms, which can extend over several square kilometers of ocean. Krill are pelagic (live close to the ocean s surface) and migrate vertically through the water column. For example, krill dive to great water depths during the day to avoid being eaten, and resurface in the evening to feed on plankton. HOW LONG HAVE PEOPLE BEEN HARVESTING KRILL? Krill has been harvested since the 1800s in the waters around the Southern Ocean and Japan. Large-scale commercial harvesting got underway in the 1960s and early 1970s. HOW IS KRILL HARVESTING REGULATED? Commercial krill harvesting in Antarctic waters is currently regulated by CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources). CCAMLR has limited total annual krill harvesting to almost 6 million metric tons to secure sustainability of the krill biomass. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE WAY KRILL IS HARVESTED BY AKER BIOMARINE? Aker BioMarine uses a unique, patent pending technology that continuously siphons ne ed krill to the factory trawler. The krill arrive aboard alive; so that decomposition of its bioactive components does not occur before processing begins. Aker s Eco-Harvesting technology is also of fundamental importance because it successfully prevents by-catches of birds, marine mammals and fish. WHAT IS WWF-NORWAY? WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment, and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. WWF-Norway and Aker BioMarine work together to facilitate sustainable management of the krill fishery in the Southern Ocean. WWF-Norway is also helping Aker meet key MSC certification requirements, including mapping its fishing activities against local predator populations and ensuring that its fishing operations do not cause harm to the ecosystem. WHAT IS THE MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (MSC)? The MSC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis by recognizing and rewarding sustainable fishing practices. The MSC maintains a global standard for the certification of sustainable wild capture fisheries and a chain of custody traceability certification program. The organization works collaboratively with Aker BioMarine and others in business, fishing, science and conservation to offer buyers and consumers the ability to incentivize and reward sustainable fisheries through their purchasing choices. All products containing Superba Krill are certified by MSC. WHAT RESEARCH PROGRAMS ON KRILL, ITS POPULATION AND THE ECOSYSTEM DOES AKER BIOMARINE PARTICIPATE IN? We continually participate in and fund third-party research of krill predators (predator program) and predator behavior related to krill abundance, distribution pa erns, topography and hydrography. Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS Fjordallèen 16, 0115 Oslo, Norway [email protected] Phone: Aker BioMarine Antarctic US 410 Newport Way NW, Suite D, Issaquah, WA [email protected] Phone: (206)