"We have conducted several studies with groups who consume omega-3 in the form of food additives and dietary supplements and a control group who only eats seafood. The objective is to find out the degree to which consuming omega-3 in these various ways produces different effects," he explains.

Documentation required

According to Dr Fr yland, consumers will demand even better documentation of the health effects of nutrients in the future. "Today we know a great deal about omega-3 fatty acids, but very little about the impact of other individual components in seafood on human health. The objective of our research is to follow these components throughout the entire food chain and explain their effects on humans in as much detail as possible," says Dr Fr yland.

Multi-faceted research

The research conducted at NIFES encompasses the entire food chain from feed via the production of marine products to human consumption. The researchers are studying various beneficial substances in seafood, such as unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine, selenium and calcium, as well as the incidence of any undesirable substances.

In the area of feed, a consortium involving NIFES and Norway's four largest fish feed manufacturers (BioMar, Ewos, Marine Harvest and PolarFeed) is soon to be established.

"The industry has come to understand that product documentation and production methods are crucial to gaining a foothold in both the Norwegian and international markets," says Dr Fr yland.

SOURCE National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES)