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I. S. NEWTON, Business Development & Regulatory Affairs, DSM Nutritional Products, 45 Waterview Blvd., Parsippany, NJ 07054 The health benefits of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are now well established for cardiovascular disease, maternal and infant nutrition, with this large base of ever-growing scientific data, the marketing and use of these ingredients is entering a new phase. New products are continually entering the market around the world with breads, infant products and oils/spreads leading the way. Have long chain PUFA entered the mainstream of the food industry? Not until a major product or product line is established can we say this. However consumer awareness continues to rise as marketers reach out with promotion and PR to both health professionals and consumers. In addition, recommendations from scientific bodies and governments continues to fuel growth as they recognize the dietary need for LC fatty acids. The FDA is also active in reviewing health claims and should claims be permitted on foods the market is expected to make a major leap forward. Functional food marketers recognizing the benefits of healthy substances, the growing interest in LC PUFA from consumers, and the need to grow their own product portfolios, are more than ever researching new areas of use. New generation product forms will permit additional uses.
Session 38, Challenges in the development of functional foods with omega-3 fatty acids
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