CalaMarine® is a unique ingredient for companies wanting to stand out in the omega-3 market. It is an eco-friendly high DHA ingredient, certified as sustainable by Friend of the Sea. CalaMarine® is produced from the trimmings of the food production of squid. Trusted and offered by leading brands all over the world.

Ingredient Name: Docosahexaenoic Acid

Functions: Supplement

Labeling Claims: Sustainable

Features: Anti-Inflammatory, Healthy Ageing, Improved Blood Circulation, Improved Cognitive Function, Stimulates Immune System, Supports Healthy Joints

Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Ingredient Name
Pharma & Nutraceuticals Functions
Ingredients
Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid
Technologies
Biology

Squids are molluscs from cephalopoda, with a body (mantle) where they have all their organs. In the extreme of the body, they have their eyes, mouth and several arms, being 8 arms and 2 tentacles in the case of squids. Squids are widespread in the world, with 290 species, from which about 30–40 species have substantial commercial importance. 

The raw materials used to make CalaMarine® are derivatives from the food production of three species of squid. These three species are:

  • Todarodes pacificus (Japanese Flying Squid)
  • Illex Argentinus (Argentine Shortfin Squid)
  • Dosidicus gigas (Humboldt Squid or Jumbo flying squid)

These three species of squid exceeded in 2014 and 2015 a yearly catch of 2 million tons. The largest part of this catch is used to make calamari rings and filets for many of the major food markets in the world. However, the arms also have a high commercial value, and other kinds of products such as dried and fermented squid can be found. Squids are considered a delicacy throughout Asia, Europe and North and South America and the demand are increasing. Squids live an average of 1 year, with a maximum lifespan of fewer than 450 days. With such a short life, they grow fast and reach reproductive age quickly, generally when they have 40% of the maximum mantle length. This can take 2-3 months for males and 4-6 months for females. Normally they are able to lay 200 000 eggs and then they usually die after spawning.

Squids live in depths from 0 to 800 m depending on the species. For eating, they grab their prey with 2 of their 10 strong arms and quickly take them into their mouth, where they eat them alive using their powerful beak. They eat crustaceans, fish, gastropods, among other species, including episodes of cannibalism in some cases. Their diet is very flexible, which makes them animals with high adaptability. They are hunters and preys at the same time and besides this, they show signs of intelligence much more superior to other invertebrates. Other smart strategies of survival include the use of ink to escape from predators. 

Features & Benefits

Labeling Claims
Health Benefits

Omega-3 – For all stages of life

Throughout your life, your body needs the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. There are more than 30,000 published studies on omega-3s, making them some of the most studied nutrients in the world. The scientific literature describes several conditions where the intake of EPA and DHA are positively associated with health from the development of the fetus to older ages.Omega-3- contains EPA and DHA - two very important long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.  EPA and DHA are vital nutrients that help every cell in our body function in an optimal way. The heart, brain, eyes, muscles and joints all rely on Omega-3 to operate correctly. Each cell in our body is a special functional unit that needs to get nutrients in and waste products out. EPA and DHA help ensure such efficient and flexible transport. Our bodies do not efficiently produce EPA and DHA, so we have to obtain them through our diet. Seafood is our main source of EPA and DHA but a supplement of marine Omega-3 is a good alternative if you do not eat enough fatty fish. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has made recommendations regarding daily intake of EPA and DHA to help consumers better understand the health benefits of these fatty acids. 

 

Omega-3 intake has further been associated with:

  • Reducing symptoms of ADHD.
  • Mood regulation.
  • Improving cognition and working memory.
  • Decreasing the likelihood of preterm birth..
  • Improving the function of joints
  • Depressing inflammation and enhancing immune response
  • Generally supporting for healthy aging.

 

The European Food Safety Authority has approved health claims for:

  • Maintenance of normal heart function, blood pressure and blood triglyceride level.
  • Maintenance of normal brain function.
  • Maintenance of normal vision.
  • Normal development of the brain, eye and vision of the fetus and breastfed infants.

 

Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system is the engine of our body. It must maintain complicated interactions and fuel a set of cells and organs year after year.Still the cardiovascular system does not necessarily give you important early signs of deterioration; stiff and calcified arteries with fat deposits, a gradual increase in blood pressure, in blood level of unhealthy fats, or in shortness of breathes. EPA and DHA are scientifically proven to contribute to normal function of the heart, normal blood pressure and to normal blood level of triglycerides.Consuming recommended doses of EPA and DHA is an easy way to contribute to maintenance of a healthy heart and circulation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends a daily intake of 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA to contribute to a normal function of the heart, 2 grams EPA and DHA to maintain a normal blood triglyceride level and 3 grams of EPA and DHA to maintain a normal blood pressure.

 

Brain Health

DHA is one of the major building blocks of the brain and is critical for optimal brain activity and function at all ages of life. Two types of cells - neurons and glia cells - are responsible for sending and processing signals so that we can function intellectually, operate the central nerve system and move our bodies. Both cell types are dependent upon flexible membranes where EPA and DHA play important roles. DHA also contributes to effective communication between the vast numbers of neurons. Research has shown that omega-3s have an impact on cognitive function and memory, symptoms of depression, ADHD, and recovery from traumatic brain injuries. EFSA recommend a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA to contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function.

 

Eye Health

The development, maintenance and preservation of vision are vital for all individuals. Even if new technology now easily can replace lenses, it cannot do the same with important components of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of cells in the back of the eye that contributes to creating an image of what you see – like film in a camera. The retina has receptors for light and nerve cells that send signals to the brain for interpretation of the light signals. The relation to DHA is that we find - and the cells need - high concentrations of DHA in the retina for adequate vision in dim light and at night. The highly unsaturated nature of DHA has unique effects on retinal cell membranes allowing them to transmit light signals very quickly. A number of studies have confirmed that DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and EFSA recommend a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA to attain this.

 

Maternal And Childhood Development

Pregnancy is an important period in life. An amazing event takes place in the body- a fully developed baby is created out of two merged cells.  All information of how and when cells and organs of different functions and appearances will develop lies in our DNA. However, this development also depends upon the mother and the nutrition she delivers to the fetus. The mother-to-be should start consuming both EPA and DHA before conception. This is to provide her body with the best possible supplies and storage for the upcoming pregnancy. It is scientifically substantiated that maternal intake of DHA both during pregnancy and breastfeeding contribute to normal fetal development of the brain, eye and vision.EFSA recommend pregnant and lactating women to have a daily intake of 200 mg DHA, in addition to the recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA for adults, i.e. 250 mg EPA and DHA, to contribute to the normal development of the brain, eye and vision of the fetus and breastfed infants.

 

Joint Health

Moving around, bending your arms, using your fingers or twisting your neck means that more than 300 smaller and larger joints are in function and under pressure. In a joint, two bones come together, creating a connection between them. To enable the optimal function of such a connection, cartilage surrounds ends of the bones while the presence of fluid acts as grease to reduce friction. Joints must sustain different conditions from heavy physical strains, vigorous activity and stress to infections and impaired immune function. Despite such varied conditions, they must operate smoothly and precisely to preserve flexibility and to prevent stiffness and pain. Different cell types and fluid containing soluble compounds make sure that the joint can do so- day by day.If low-grade inflammation persists over time, severe pain - and chronic arthritis - may develop if left untreated. By its anti-inflammatory effect, omega-3 may counteract the loss of collagen and deterioration of cartilage. When you know that cartilage has a very limited capacity to heal itself or to regenerate, the use of omega-3 to preserve cartilage and inhibit inflammation becomes very important.OMEGA-6:OMEGA-3 Balance And InflammationThe ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 is an indicator of the type of fatty acids that you have in your body. In many countries, it has been reported omega-6 to omega-3 balances as high as 20:1 while the ideal index should be max. 5:1. Studies have shown that people have gradually changed their consumption of types of fatty acids by such as consuming more fast food and less fish. Popular fatty acid sources like cultivated vegetables contain a lot of omega-6 in their oils and seeds. In addition, omega-6 is frequently put in animal feed increasing the content in meat and eggs.
The balance reflects the state of the body; a high index implies that much more omega-6 than omega-3 is built into our cell membranes. This is unfavorable because it makes the cell membranes less flexible and does not allow optimal traffic of nutrients, transport of signal molecules or waste elimination. As a consequence, a high index is associated with an increased risk for developing the disease, for example, cardiovascular disease, diabetes 2 and chronic inflammatory diseases.


On the other hand - if the index is low, due to a high intake of omega-3, the body reflects the opposite; the omega-3 rich cell membranes will be flexible and healthy. Compounds acting anti-inflammatory, preventing blood clotting and positively influence the heart rhythm as well as relaxing the muscle layer in the arteries will be more easily formed. All these effects are favorable for your body- and maintain the body in a healthy – and not stressed state. Remember to keep your omega-6:omega-3 index at an optimal level by consuming enough EPA and DHA.

Sustainability

CalaMarine® is made from trimmings from the food production of squid which is very much in line with Pharma Marine’s philosophy of utilizing everything we harvest from nature. The short lifespan of the squid makes it very resilient to fishing pressure and adaptable to ocean conditions. The sustainability organization Friend of the Sea has also certified

CalaMarine® as a sustainable product. The short life and fast and efficient growth make the squid much more resilient to fishing pressure than other species. Therefore, the stocks are capable of rapid recovery from possible fluctuating conditions. To produce CalaMarine® we use trimmings from of production of squid. This way Pharma Marine™ is helping to increase the use of underutilized biomass and therefore giving value to parts of the squid that were previously not used. Squid is mainly caught at night using barbless hooks or jigs after being attracted to the surface using bright lights. This is a highly targeted method allowing for almost zero by-catches of other species than the one being targeted. This is possible because the squid is very greedy. The smaller squid usually stays away so it doesn’t get eaten by the bigger squids. This fishing method is also very good for the marine environment since there is no touching of the ocean floor or coral reefs.

Health Effects

Omega-3- contains EPA and DHA - two very important long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.  EPA and DHA are vital nutrients that help every cell in our body function in an optimal way.


The heart, brain, eyes, muscles and joints all rely on Omega-3 to operate correctly. Each cell in our body is a special functional unit that needs to get nutrients in and waste products out. EPA and DHA help ensure such efficient and flexible transport. Our bodies do not efficiently produce EPA and DHA, so we have to obtain them through our diet. Seafood is our main source of EPA and DHA but a supplement of marine Omega-3 is a good alternative if you do not eat enough fatty fish.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has made recommendations regarding daily intake of EPA and DHA to help consumers better understand the health benefits of these fatty acids. 

Applications & Uses

Food & Nutrition Applications

Regulatory & Compliance

Certification

CalaMarine® is certified by Friend of the Sea which is a non-profit organization whose mission is the conservation of the marine habitat. The products and their origins are audited onsite by independent international certification bodies.

Friend of the Sea is present worldwide and more than 300 companies have their products certified to prove that the origin of their products is produced from sustainable fisheries. To be certified by Friend of the Sea means – amongst other things- that the fisheries will not overexploit the fish stock, have a low limit for discarding fish remains as well as clear rules for waste management. When using the Friend of the Sea certification you are contributing to the health of oceans by assessing and promoting sustainable fishing practices. This is a clear preference and basic philosophy of Pharma Marine™.