PRESS RELEASE: A new study shows that Calanus® Oil intake antagonizes negative changes in gut microbiota due to obesity

A new preclinical study conducted by a research team from Uit- The Arctic University of Norway, shows that Calanus® Oil supplementation in obese mice prevents negative changes in microbiota. This has led to new theories about the mechanisms of action of Calanus® Oil.

Current evidence suggests that obesity and its comorbidities are intrinsically linked with unfavorable changes in the intestinal microbiome. Thus, in line with its anti-obesity effect, it was hypothesized that dietary supplementation with Calanus® Oil should counteract the obesity-related deleterious changes in the gut microbiota.

The mouse model of diet-induced obesity shares many of the same characteristics as human obesity and is used as an important tool for understanding the mechanisms involved in diseases related to the ‘western-diet’.

“The fact that Calanus® Oil supplementation shows a benefit in gut microbiota just adds to the list of benefits we have documented. And even more interestingly, these findings have provided more ideas about the mechanisms of action of Calanus® Oil”, says Head of Science in Calanus Alice Marie Pedersen, PhD.

The researchers expected to see higher levels of the receptor family PPARs in adipose tissue. PPARs are involved in amongst others, the oxidation of fat, but the levels were not changed in adipose tissue. This observation has led to a hypothesis that PPARs were upregulated primarily in metabolically active tissues, such as liver, heart and skeletal muscle, leading to increased fatty acid oxidation and thereby draining of fatty acids from white adipose tissue.

“Indeed, we have more and more data from both preclinical and clinical studies showing that several of the benefits from Calanus® Oil are associated with positive effects on the muscles”, concludes Dr. Pedersen.

For further information about Calanus® Oil please contact Head of Sales and Marketing Jan Erik Olsen on tel. +47 951 45 351 or by e-mail: jan.erik.olsen@calanus.no. Please also refer to the company's website: www.calanus.no.