Soymega™ is the world’s first SDA (stearidonic acid) soybean oil—the optimal omega-3 for food. Soymega™ is a great solution for food companies that want to add omega-3s to everyday foods and provide consumers with more options to get omega-3s into their daily diet.

SDA stands for stearidonic acid. SDA soybean oil (Soymega™) is a plant-based source of omega-3s. There are other sources of SDA in fish and the seed oils of black currant, echium, and borage. SDA is an intermediate in the conversion of ALA to EPA.

SDA (stearidonic acid) soybean oil is a plant-based source of omega-3s that helps maintain heart health and can be incorporated into everyday foods. SDA converts efficiently in the body to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and scientific research reveals that EPA helps maintain a healthy heart. FDA has authorized the use of a “qualified health claim” on many conventional foods and dietary supplements containing EPA or DHA. FDA concluded that there is “supportive but not conclusive” evidence that consumption of EPA and DHA “may reduce the risk” of cardiovascular disease.

SDA converts to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in the body more efficiently than ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another plant-based omega-3.

Pending completion of the regulatory process, commercialization is anticipated around 2012. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice confirming that the SDA omega-3 soybean oil could be used under an array of intended conditions of use. Since then, some food companies have successfully incorporated the oil into test products.

Yes. Food companies have started testing Soymega™ in a variety of products. These products are currently in development and are not commercially available.

Soymega™ may be used in a variety of applications, including bakery products, soups, beverages, snack bars, dressings, yogurts, margarines and shortenings. Solae has found positive sensory results in consumer panels, and the company is working with food company partners to introduce this oil into a variety of food and beverage products.

Soymega™ has a clean flavor and has been shown to maintain flavor over expected shelf life in many foods.

Soymega™ is not commercially available today so pricing has not been announced. However, Soymega™ will be competitively priced to other omega-3 sources and provide additional omega-3s with acceptable taste and shelf life across everyday foods and beverages. For more information on pricing, contact us.

This decision is up to the food manufacturers. Soymega™ is an omega-3 that can be incorporated into everyday foods for consumers to have more options to get omega-3s in their daily diet.

Soymega™ was developed using the tools of biotechnology, breeding and modern plant science.