Abstract
DHA canola, a genetically engineered Brassica napus (OECD Unique Identifier NS-B5ØØ27-4), has been developed as one of the first land-based production systems for omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), whose health benefits are well-established. Yet, the marine sources of these nutrients are under high pressures due to over-fishing and increasing demand. DHA canola is a plant-based source for these essential fatty acids that produces a high level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This terrestrial system allows for sustainable, scalable and stable production of omega-3 LCPUFA that addresses not only the increasing market demand, but also the complex interplay of agriculture, aquaculture, and human nutrition. The vector used to produce the desired oil profile in DHA canola contains the expression cassettes of seven genes in the DHA biosynthesis pathway and was specifically designed to convert oleic acid to DHA in canola seed. The characterization and safety evaluation of food and feed produced from DHA canola are described and supported by a detailed nutritional analysis of the seed, meal, and oil. Aside from the intended changes of the fatty acid profile, none of the other compositional analytes showed biologically meaningful differences when compared to conventional canola varieties. In addition, the meal from DHA canola is compositionally equivalent to conventional canola meal. Further evidence of nutritional value and safety of DHA canola oil have been confirmed in fish feeding studies. Given that most human populations lack sufficient daily intakes of omega-3 LCPUFA, a dietary exposure assessment is also included. In conclusion, the results from these studies demonstrate it is safe to use products derived from DHA canola in human foods, nutraceuticals, or animal feeds.
Highlights
Fatty acids (FA) are carboxylic acids with long-chain hydrocarbon side groups, typically found in esterified form as the major component of lipids
The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acid and Lipids (ISSFAL) recommend intakes of 500 mg/day, and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare recommends a minimum intake of 1,000 mg/day eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combined. These organizations all support that higher intakes of EPA and DHA is recommended for most populations
The safety assessment of biotechnology based crops includes a full characterization of the modified crop, as has been accomplished for DHA canola
Summary
Fatty acids (FA) are carboxylic acids with long-chain hydrocarbon side groups, typically found in esterified form as the major component of lipids. Lipids and FA are sources of energy, most are integral in cell membranes, and indispensable for processing biological and biochemical information. Omega-3 fatty acids (ω3 FA) are essential, being required for human health and DHA Canola Food and Feed Safety obtained primarily from the diet. Ω3 FA are a group of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) that are important for numerous biological functions, including muscle activity, blood clotting, digestion, fertility, cell division and growth, and reducing inflammation [1]. DHA is a primary structural component of many human tissues and is important for brain development and function [2, 3]. DHA canola can help address this health concern by providing a safe, scalable and sustainable source of ω3 FA
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