Unveiling the Power of Wax Esters in Zooca® Calanus® Oil
Wax esters - What is it?
Most lipids comprise of several chains of carbon atoms bound to hydrogen atoms. The types of fats vary based on the number of carbon atoms in the chain, as well as the number and location of double bonds between them. Even slight variations in the structure of lipids can result in significant differences in their form and function, impacting physical traits of the lipids and physiological responses in the body.
Traditional dietary lipids such as triglycerides from generic fish oil and phospholipids found in krill oil consist of a glycerol backbone and esterified fatty acids, with either three fatty acids or two fatty acids and a phosphate group, respectively (Figure 1). The uniqueness of Calanus finmarchicus-derived lipids is the chemical form of so-called wax esters and this lipid form may constitute as much as 80-90 % of the oil. Described chemically, they are fatty acids esterified to fatty alcohols as monoesters. Wax esters are distinctly different from fat in any other marine (or terrestrial) oils in terms of chemistry, bioactivity, and health benefits (1).
This particular configuration results in a highly hydrophobic and nonpolar molecule, contributing to the physical properties of wax esters, such as their very low solubility in water and solidification at low temperatures. The presence of wax esters in Zooca® Calanus® Oil confers several advantages from a dietary perspective, setting it far apart from other dietary lipids.
GPR120 receptor
Whereas other lipid-based supplements claim their benefits due to rapid absorption, Zooca® Calanus® Oil explains it the other way around; The unique chemistry of these new lipids allows them to withstand the first line of digestive enzymes, letting the lipids reach the distal part of the digestive tract without compromising the bioavailability of the fatty acids. This property is particularly advantageous for activating the GPR120 receptor, a nutrient sensor involved in regulating metabolic and inflammatory processes. GPR120 is expressed in various tissues throughout the body, including the distal intestine, colon, adipose tissue, and macrophages. It is a receptor for medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and recent studies have demonstrated that its activation can play a central role in regulating gut hormone secretion, insulin sensitivity, and body weight (2).
The potent fatty acids released by Zooca® Calanus® Oil during digestion can activate the GPR120 receptor and exert their beneficial effects, making it an exciting new option for supporting metabolic and inflammatory health.
“ The presence of wax esters in Zooca® Calanus® Oil contributes to its unique dietary benefits, including enhanced bioavailability of potent fatty acids and other bioactive molecules, sustained nutrient release, reduced gastrointestinal distress and gut health, and natural preservation. Understanding the chemical structure and advantages of wax esters is essential to appreciating the potential of Zooca® Calanus® Oil as a valuable source of essential nutrients in human nutrition.”
The slower digestion and absorption of wax esters result in a more sustained release of nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, into the bloodstream. This prolonged release may help maintain optimal blood levels of these essential nutrients, supporting their various health-promoting functions in the body.
Reduced gastrointestinal distress
Additional benefits of this compact lipid structure may include reduced gastrointestinal distress; Wax esters in Zooca® Calanus® Oil are less likely to cause gastrointestinal distress, such as reflux or other discomforts, compared to triglyceridebased oils due to their unique digestive properties. This may result in a more comfortable consumption experience for individuals sensitive to traditional fish oils or those who have difficulties tolerating other lipid sources. This steady supply of nutrients could also support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and contribute to a more balanced gut microbial community. The anti-inflammatory properties of Zooca® Calanus® Oil, due to its omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin content, may help modulate gut inflammation due to the increased retention time in the GI-tract. This may in turn create a more favourable environment for the growth and maintenance of a diverse and healthy gut microbiota (3).
Natural Preservation
Due to the compact structure of the wax ester molecules, the oil is less prone to oxidation compared to triglycerides, and the very high concentration of astaxanthin will provide another layer of antioxidative defense on top. This makes Zooca® Calanus® Oil more resistant to rancidity and degradation (4). This inherent stability can enhance the shelf life of Zooca® Calanus® Oil products, ensuring their quality and potency over time.
References
- Schots, P. C., Pedersen, A. M., Eilertsen, K. E., Olsen, R. L. & Larsen, T. S. (2020). Possible Health Effects of a Wax Ester Rich Marine Oil. Front Pharmacol, 11, 961.
- Ulven, T. & Christiansen, E. (2015) Dietary Fatty Acids and Their Potential for Controlling Metabolic Diseases Through Activation of FFA4/GPR120. Annu Rev Nutr, 35, 239-63.
- Liu, F., Smith, A.D., Solano-Aguilar, G. et al. (2020) Mechanistic insights into the attenuation of intestinal inflammation and modulation of the gut microbiome by krill oil using in vitro and in vivo models. Microbiome 8, 83
- Gorreta,F., Bernasconi,R., Galliani, G., Salmona, M., Tacconi, M.T, & Bianchi, R. (2002) Wax Esters of n -3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A New Stable Formulation as a Potential Food Supplement. 1 — Digestion and Absorption in Rats, LWT - FoodScience and Technology, 35, 5, p458-465
