Breakthrough in Plant-Based Omega-3 Research at Université de Moncton

Canadian scientists have made headlines with a groundbreaking discovery in the field of nutraceuticals and anti-inflammatory compounds. Researchers at Université de Moncton in New Brunswick uncovered that eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA, also known as 20:4 n-3), a unique omega-3 fatty acid abundant in Ahiflower oil, metabolizes into two novel compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties. This finding, detailed in a pivotal 2018 study published in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, sheds new light on how plant-derived oils can rival marine sources for health benefits.

Led by lipid metabolism expert Marc Surette, PhD, and collaborator Kristine Gagnon, the team demonstrated that ETA—elevated rapidly through Ahiflower oil consumption—undergoes enzymatic conversion via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. This process yields metabolites structurally and functionally similar to those from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oils, offering a sustainable alternative amid growing concerns over overfished oceans.

The research builds on earlier human trials showing Ahiflower oil boosts tissue ETA levels within just two to four weeks, positioning it as a fast-acting option for supporting the body's natural inflammatory response, particularly after exercise or immune challenges.

Ahiflower Oil: A Canadian-Grown Superfood from Buglossoides arvensis

Ahiflower oil, extracted from the seeds of Buglossoides arvensis—a hardy plant native to temperate regions—represents a pinnacle of plant-based nutrition innovation. Cultivated regeneratively on Prince Edward Island by Nature's Crops International, this oil stands out with its rich profile: approximately 64% total omega-3 fatty acids, including 45% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and a remarkable 20-24% stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4 n-3). Unlike flaxseed oil, which relies solely on ALA with poor conversion efficiency, Ahiflower's SDA bypasses a key metabolic bottleneck, converting more readily to longer-chain omega-3s like ETA.

Grown in Canada's maritime climate, Ahiflower benefits from traceable, non-GMO farming practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity. Health Canada approved it as a novel food in 2021, affirming its safety and nutritional superiority. Available in softgels, liquids, and powders, it's gaining traction for vegan diets, pet nutrition, and even functional foods.

Decoding Omega-3 ETA: From Precursor to Potent Metabolite

Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA) is a lesser-known omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) with 20 carbons and four double bonds (20:4 n-3). In the body, SDA from Ahiflower oil is elongated and desaturated to form ETA, which then serves as a substrate for enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase. This mirrors arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) metabolism but favors anti-inflammatory outcomes over pro-inflammatory ones.

Prior studies from Université de Moncton, including a 2016 phase I trial, confirmed Ahiflower oil safely enriches blood and tissues with long-chain n-3 PUFAs more effectively than flaxseed. Participants consuming 15 mL daily showed elevated ETA without adverse effects, paving the way for the 2018 metabolite discovery.

The Novel ETA-Derived Compounds: Mechanisms Revealed

The Université de Moncton team's in vitro experiments identified two previously unreported ETA metabolites produced via lipoxygenase pathways. One compound exhibited specific anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals much like resolvins and protectins from EPA/DHA. This step-by-step process—SDA → ETA → lipoxygenase metabolites—highlights Ahiflower's unique biochemistry.

• Initiation: Dietary SDA absorbed and converted to ETA in liver and tissues.
• Enzymatic action: 5-LOX oxygenates ETA, forming hydroperoxy and epoxy derivatives.
• Bioactivity: Metabolites modulate immune cells, upregulating interleukin-10 (IL-10) while dampening cytokines like TNF-alpha.

These findings, validated through mass spectrometry and bioassays, explain Ahiflower's edge in immune modulation observed in earlier exercise recovery trials.

Ahiflower vs. Fish Oil and Other Plant Omegas: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Ahiflower uniquely combines omega-3 SDA/ETA with anti-inflammatory gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, ~5%), balancing the omega-6:3 ratio for optimal effects without marine contaminants like heavy metals.

Proven Health Benefits: From Joint Health to Immune Support

Beyond the lab, Ahiflower oil shows real-world promise. A 2024 arthritis model reduced ankle swelling by up to 51% in low-dose groups. Human trials report enhanced IL-10 post-LPS challenge, indicating immune-balancing effects. Benefits include:

• Joint and muscle recovery: Faster resolution post-exercise inflammation.
• Gut health: Probiotic survival boost up to 2x in the intestine.
• Cardiovascular support: Favorable lipid profiles.
• Brain maintenance: Sustains DHA/ARA in preclinical models.

For Canadians, this aligns with dietary guidelines emphasizing plant omegas amid rising chronic inflammation rates—over 20% of adults affected by arthritis alone.

Recent Developments: Vegaven and Medical Nutrition Frontiers

Building on Moncton’s work, 2024-2026 preclinical studies on Vegaven—a lipid emulsion blending Ahiflower oil—reveal superior outcomes in neonatal piglets versus fish oil blends. Led by Canadian-Swiss teams including Prof. Michael Zaugg, it protected livers, curbed leaky gut toxins, and preserved brain DHA/ARA despite lacking direct sources. Prof. Philip Calder noted its "remarkable" anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects.

A December 2025 study confirmed Ahiflower enhances circulating omega-3s with anti-inflammatory oxylipin shifts. Ongoing trials explore vegan EPA delivery and clinical PN approval.Ahiflower press release (2026).

Sustainability Edge: Why Canadian Ahiflower Matters for Global Health

With oceans strained—global fish stocks down 35%—Ahiflower offers a land-based solution. PEI cultivation uses 90% less water than soy, sequesters carbon, and supports biodiversity. For higher ed, this underscores interdisciplinary research in agronomy, biochemistry, and sustainability at institutions like Université de Moncton.

Stakeholder Perspectives: From Researchers to Industry Leaders

Marc Surette emphasizes ETA's untapped potential: "These novel metabolites parallel marine omega benefits, validating plant alternatives." Greg Cumberford of Nature's Crops adds, "Ahiflower cuts new ice in anti-inflammatory science." Patients and vegans praise its clean profile, while clinicians eye PN applications for preterm infants and ICU cases.

Challenges include scaling production and public awareness, but solutions like targeted education and policy support for novel foods are emerging.

Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Clinical Trials, Policy, and Research Careers

Upcoming phase II/III trials for Vegaven and human ETA studies promise validation. Canadian funding via NSERC and CIHR bolsters this, with implications for managing IBD, arthritis, and metabolic syndrome—conditions affecting millions.

Aspiring researchers can pursue research assistant jobs or PhDs in lipidomics. Explore Rate My Professor for insights on nutrition faculty at Université de Moncton and beyond. Craft your academic CV to join this field.

For opportunities, visit higher ed jobs, university jobs, or Canadian academic positions.