Supplementing with a calanus oil manufactured by Zooca may support cardiovascular and metabolic health in women with obesity, according to a new clinical study published by Leibniz University researchers. The findings were published in Metabolites.

The 12-week study followed 20 middle-aged women with a BMI of 28 or greater and occasional blood sugar irregularities. Participants received 4 grams per day of Zooca Calanus Oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in a slow-release wax ester form, along with policosanols and astaxanthin.

Researchers observed a significant improvement in cardiac diastolic function as measured by the E/A ratio, which shows how efficiently the heart relaxes and fills with blood between beats.

Further, the participants experienced reductions in metabolic syndrome severity score, indicating better overall metabolism; an improvement in TyG-WHtR index (a composite measure of triglycerides, glucose, waist, and height), suggesting better insulin sensitivity and lower metabolic stress; and lower resting heart rate and central diastolic blood pressure.

“These results are encouraging because they point to combined benefits in both cardiac function and metabolic regulation,” says Marianne Mæhlum, chief marketing and innovation officer at Zooca. “For women with obesity and prediabetes, a group at elevated cardiometabolic risk, finding safe and natural strategies to support long-term health is of great importance. With its unique slow-release composition, Zooca Calanus Oil represents a promising nutritional approach to supporting cardiometabolic support during the aging process.” Teresita Rudà, Head of Marketing and Brand Positioning at LEHVOSS Nutrition commented from her side that “What is exciting about this new study is the benefits seen in insulin sensitivity among people with prediabetes, suggesting once more the valuable role of Zooca Calanus Oil in supporting long-term metabolic health.”

Diastolic dysfunction and impaired metabolic control are considered precursors to cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. While this was a pilot study, the results add to a growing body of evidence supporting the unique role of Zooca Calanus Oil in cardiometabolic health as a preventive strategy for people experiencing occasional blood sugar irregularities, the company reported.