EPAX Cetoleic 2040 reduces LDL-cholesterol in overweight adults, clinical trial finds

Supplementation with EPAX® Cetoleic 2040, an Omega-9 Gondoic acid and Omega-11 Cetoleic acid oil, reduced LDL-cholesterol in overweight and obese adults by 7% after eight weeks, a clinical study has found. *

Raised total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in particular, is associated with higher body fat percentage[1] and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD),[2] the world’s leading cause of death.[3] Approximately 10% of adults have elevated total cholesterol levels.[4]

The new study is the first human study to evaluate the effects of the marine long-chain monounsatured fatty acids (LC-MUFAs) cetoleic and gondoic acid on LDL-cholesterol. The study was conducted by Professor Gudbrandsen of the University of Bergen, Norway, and builds on considerable pre-clinical data from the Bergen group as well as others.

Eighty healthy, overweight and obese men and women (BMI>25) were enrolled, and 75 completed the eight-week intervention. They were randomised to a 4g daily dose of either EPAX Cetoleic 2040, a cetoleic acid concentrate, or a control containing soyabean oil and Omega-3 PUFAs from anchovy oil. Both interventions had comparable levels of Omega-3, enabling the researchers to distinguish the effects of cetoleic acid concentrate from those of Omega-3.

After eight weeks, there was a statistically significant 7% decrease in LDL-cholesterol from baseline in participants taking EPAX Cetoleic 2040 compared with the control group (p = 0.033). This reduction was not associated with any changes in body fat percentage. A 7% reduction in LDL-cholesterol achieved through dietary modification is estimated to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 15%.[5]

Regular consumption of marine fish and seafood is associated with reduced CVD risk, a relationship historically attributed to the Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) EPA and DHA. However, EPA and DHA have no cholesterol-lowering effects unless taken in very high doses.

Oddrun Anita Gudbrandsen, Professor at the University of Bergen, said: “We already have extensive preclinical evidence that demonstrate the benefit of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids on cholesterol concentration. Our clinical trial in healthy adults with overweight or obesity showed that supplementation with cetoleic acid concentrate reduced the LDL-cholesterol by 7% which is estimated to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by around 15%.  By reducing LDL-cholesterol, Epax’s Omega-11 cetoleic concentrates have the potential to make a significant impact on cardiovascular health.”

Thomas Gulbrandsen, Global Sales and Marketing Director, Epax Norway AS, said: “The new study is testament to Epax’s innovation strategy and underscores our commitment to clinically relevant, high-quality marine oils. It also supports oils in our EPAX® NovusLipid category of next-generation marine lipids, including EPAX® Omega 3-9-11 – the world’s first commercially available LC-MUFA concentrate. Derived from pelagic fish from the North Atlantic, it offers a unique combination of Omegas 3, 9 and 11, supporting heart, metabolic, and skin health.”

*Hansen K, Mjaatveit MA, Andreassen LV, Mjøs SA and Gudbrandsen OA. Supplementation with a cetoleic acid concentrate decreased the serum LDL-cholesterol concentration in healthy adults with overweight or obesity. A randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 2026 May 6:1-29. doi: 10.1017/S0007114526107375

[1] Sun J et al. The correlation of total percent fat with alterations in cholesterol and triglycerides in adults. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2022;9:881729