What are Functional Nutritional Lipids?

Foods are considered functional if they contain ingredients which may provide health benefits in addition to nutritional value beyond basic nutrition. While there is no official definition of functional lipids (fats and oils), they are commonly used in functional foods due to the various roles they perform in the body. These foods resemble conventional foods so that they can easily be consumed as part of a regular diet but they also incorporate ingredients which may help with specific health concerns beyond just basic nutrition. 

Below, we take a closer look at functional lipids and their most notable health benefits. 

What are functional lipids?

Lipids perform a variety of roles in the body: controlling what goes in and out of cells, aiding in storing energy and absorbing vitamins. Functional lipids - also referred to as bioactive lipids or nutraceutical lipids- are widely used as ingredients in functional foods because they come with bioactive properties and additional nutritional function. The most popular forms of functional lipids include medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil powders and high oleic oil powders.

Functional lipids are naturally present in lots of foods, including dairy products, fish, meat, nuts, seeds, and certain grains. They can also be produced through chemical synthesis or enzymatic processes.

These bioactive lipids are believed to play an essential role in various physiological processes and metabolic pathways, including cell signalling, inflammation regulation and neurological functions. 

How are functional lipids used in nutraceuticals?

Functional lipids are useful for nutraceutical formulations due to their bioactive properties which can enhance the health benefits of these products. Powdered lipids are a key component of dietary supplements, sports nutrition and functional foods, as they can be used to improve the solubility, stability, and delivery of bioactive compounds. As functional lipids are a subset of functional foods, they can be consumed alongside a regular diet. 

By using functional lipids, food products can address metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological health needs as part of a normal everyday diet.

What are the different applications of functional lipids?

Functional lipids find diverse applications across various nutraceutical and food product categories, owing to their biological activities and potential health-promoting properties.

Dietary supplements

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which come from fish oils, are commonly added to supplements targeting heart and brain health. Phytosterols, plant-derived compounds structurally similar to cholesterol, are used in supplements aimed at cholesterol management. Similarly, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are functional lipids often found in supplements for weight management and metabolic support.

Functional foods

Dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese, are frequently fortified with omega-3 fatty acids or phytosterols to enhance their nutritional profile. Margarine and spreads are enriched with plant sterols to provide cholesterol-lowering benefits. Baked goods, snacks, and beverages may contain MCT oils, CLA, or other functional lipids to cater to specific consumer health demands.

Sports nutrition

Functional lipids play a crucial role in supporting athletic performance and recovery. Protein powders, bars, and pre-workout supplements may contain MCT oils or CLA to provide sustained energy and support muscle growth. Omega-3 fatty acids are incorporated into pre-workout and recovery products due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in muscle repair and joint health.

What are the benefits of using functional lipids?

Functional lipids have many many therapeutic benefits, with a review into Functional Lipids as Nutraceuticals¹ concluding that in the use of supplementary and dietary forms of functional lipids “scientific data has demonstrated positive improvements in patients and favourable benefits in healthy people.” Here we’ll detail some of the main advantages of these bioactive lipids:

• Anti inflammatory properties with cardiovascular benefits - Studies suggest that omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and sphingolipids, have anti-inflammatory effects, and as a result can potentially alleviate chronic inflammatory conditions². By reducing inflammation and cholesterol levels, our NEIVA High Oleic Sunflower Oil Powder could help reduce the risk of heart disease when used in place of saturated fats. 
• Enhanced brain function and cognitive performance - Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA, in particular) and phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylserine) play crucial roles in brain development and cognitive performance. Research suggests that they can improve brain health² by supporting neuronal membrane integrity, and neurotransmitter function, and may have neuroprotective effects that are beneficial for patients with subjective cognitive decline³, like Alzheimers or dementia. NEIVA MCT Immune is a unique blend of MCT oil and yeast beta-glucan which can be used to help support memory and cognitive function.
• Digestive benefits - Functional lipids can also be beneficial for people with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders. Long chain triglycerides are easy to digest as they don’t require bile salts for absorption. This means that they can aid in the absorption of calories and nutrients⁴ without overburdening the digestive system. 
• Metabolic regulation - Functional lipids like medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been studied for their potential roles in regulating metabolism. They are known to contribute to weight management⁵, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced risk of metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
  

Ohly's NEIVA powdered lipids are meticulously designed to enhance the texture, nutrition, and functionality of your products. Ideal for applications unsuitable for liquid oils, NEIVA ensures effortless dispersion and ease of use. 

References

1. S. Bhat, Sneha. Maharashtra, India. Functional Lipids as Nutraceuticals: A Review.  International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, Vol.6; Issue: 4; October-December 2021. 
2. S. Watanabe, Tsujino S, Applications of Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Foods Central Research Laboratory, The Nisshin OilliO Group, Ltd., Tokyo, JapanSec. Nutrition and Metabolism, Front. Nutr., 02 June 2022, Volume 9 - 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.802805
3. Cognitive Vitality Report from neuroscientists at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, January 31, 2024 
4. Shah, Neha D. “The Use of Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Gastrointestinal Disorders.” Nutrition Issues in Gastroenterology, Series 160 (2017).
5. Mumme K, Stonehouse W. Effects of medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Feb;115(2):249-263. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2014.10.022. PMID: 25636220.