Soy enriched with stearidonic acid? Here is the alternative to pes oilce

Stearidonic acid-enriched soybeans could soon become an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids. So would Monsanto, a multinational corporation that has been engaged in genetically modified plant research for years, which has developed a soybean variety capable of accumulating this molecule.Soybean oil high in stearidonic acid could be used to fortify various foods with Omega-3 (without altering flavor):

- baked goods

- breakfast cereal

- cheeses

Stearidonic acid

The beneficial effects of Omega-3 have made these nutrients increasingly popular, the main source of which are fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and halibut. Fish contain 2 types of Omega-3:eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) anddocosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can be easily utilized by the human body. Other plant-based foods, however, are richer in another Omega-3:alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In order to be utilized, this molecule, once introduced through the diet, must be converted by the body into EPA and DHA. Unfortunately, this conversion process is not very efficient and allows only 10% of the ALA to be converted into EPA. The body convertsstearidonic acid (SDA) to EPA more easily than it does to ALA. Soybeans produced by Monsanto can convert the ALA in it to SDA, making Omega-3 more readily usable by the human body.

Genetically engineered soybeans

The researchers obtained this soybean variety by introducing 2 genes from another plant (Primula juliae) and a mold (Neurospora crassa) into the plant's genome, respectively. The only effect of these insertions, the scientists explain, is to allow the conversion of ALA to SDA and, consequently, to make soybean oil a kind of precursor tofish oil. Now Monsanto's goal is to fortify various food products with its soybean so as to provide the consumer with 375 milligrams of SDA per serving.

Fish oil: SDA-enriched soybean as an alternative

According to researchers, SDA-enriched soybeans could be a viable alternative to fish oil for those who do not like the taste. Having another possible source from which to obtain Omega-3 could also help reduce the risks associated with uncontrolled fishing. However, the amounts of SDAs to be taken to achieve adequate EPA intake would be 4-5 times higher than those needed by directly introducing the EPA contained in fish or fish oil. As early as 2011, some companies showed interest in marketing SDA-enriched foods. At that time, the goal was to start selling them as early as 2012. All that remains is to wait for more news.