Functional Foods and Research Unit (FFRU)

The FFRU studies the metabolic and nutritional effects of functional foods or premixes with functional food characteristics in human volunteers participating in well-designed clinical trials. Special areas of interest include essential fatty acids (omega-3s) and micronutrient metabolism. The FFRU is actively involved in several research projects.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and cannot be formed in the human body. Humans need to obtain them from their diet to maintain good health. The required daily intake is unknown.

The FFRU conducted a series of clinical trials to develop a model to determine the daily need of omega-3 fatty acids in humans. The model was successfully designed and implemented, and a platform for clinical investigations on the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on degenerative diseases was created. The applications of the model included exploring the lowest daily dosage of fish oil to obtain optimum blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and studying the metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids in diabetic versus non-diabetic individuals.

The unit is also conducting surveys on fish oil supplements available in the South African market to monitor the quality of the supplements offered to consumers. The first survey was conducted in 2009, and a follow-up survey was carried out in 2012. The 2009 survey results were published in the Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, and the follow-up survey results were published in the same journal in 2013.

Opperman M, Marais de W, Spinnler Benade AJ. Analysis of omega-3 fatty acid content of South African fish oil supplements. Cardiovasc J Afr. 2011 Nov-Dec;22(6):324-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22159321

Opperman M, Benade S. Analysis of the omega-3 fatty acid content of South African fish oil supplements: a follow-up study. Cardiovasc J Afr. 2013 Sep;24(8):297-302. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24240381

Micronutrients

The unit is involved in micronutrient research, ranging from developing functional food products and premixes to conducting clinical trials. A range of functional food products and premixes have been developed and are currently being commercialised.

A study sponsored by the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry will investigate the effect of one of the patented premixes (Nutri Caro-E) on inflammation among preschool children.

The FFRU’s new product development programme involves patenting new and innovative functional food products and ingredients and registering novel trademarks and product names. No synthetic substances are used in the formulation of the products and ingredients.

The unit is currently exploring opportunities to collaborate with the South African fishing industry to manufacture pharmaceutical-grade fish oil, which could ultimately be used in the unit’s patented products. Most South African crude fish oil is exported and used for various purposes.

Current patents and trademarks

Benade, A.J.S. and Opperman, M. Food Supplement – Omega Caro-E capsules. Patent number: PCT/IB2010/054654. Dr. Gerntholtz Inc.

Benade, A.J.S. and Opperman, M. Food Supplement (premix) – Nutri Caro-E – to be used in a variety of food products such as biscuits, baby porridge, peanut butter, yoghurt, etc. Patent number: PA152137/ZA. Spoor & Fisher.

Benade, A.J.S. and Opperman, M. Omega Caro-E emulsion is to be used by children to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients. Patent number: PA156731/P. Spoor & Fisher.

Registered trademarks

Nutri Caro-E (Filed by Spoor & Fisher)

Registered product names

Omega Caro-E (Filed by Spoor & Fisher)

The FFRU was the first research body at CPUT to obtain a grant from the CPUT Research and Innovation Fund. The grant, awarded in 2009, ensured the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, which allowed the unit to undertake several research projects. The FFRU also manufactured the first Omega Caro-E capsules with the funding provided. This batch was mainly used for promotional purposes and was enthusiastically received by consumers, who all reported positive feedback. In 2012, the unit obtained another CPUT Research and Innovation grant to manufacture a second batch.

Additional sources of funding and income for the FFRU are research contracts for various entities and funding generated by laboratory services.

The FFRU closely collaborates with national and international companies involved in the fishing industry, the pharmaceutical industry and the Malaysian palm oil industry. The Technology Transfer Office at CPUT plays a fundamental role in assisting the FFRU to establish partnerships with national and international collaborators.

The unit is also in close collaboration with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). CANSA is endorsing the Omega Caro-E supplement by granting CPUT the right to use their “Smart choice supplement” logo on Omega Caro-E labels.  This endorsement is the first of its kind since the establishment of CANSA more than 80 years ago.  Food supplements have never been endorsed by CANSA before.