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Home  Our Shared Environment Report on the International Scientific Conference on Seal Oil Products
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Ottawa, 7-8 June 2004 To develop a greater international awareness of the potential of seal products, an International Scientific Conference on Seal Oil Products was held on 7-8 June 2004 in Ottawa, Canada. This conference focussed on the development of seal products that would appeal to the U.S. and other international markets. The presentations at the conference demonstrated that seal oil products have great potential to generate demand in Canada, the U.S. and world-wide. However, it was determined that there is a strong need for additional research and better communications concerning the safety and benefits of these products. Additional product research, development and public information/marketing are required to increase market demand. Approximately fifty participants from the academic and research community, industry, and government attended. A total of twelve presentations were given on the first day. On the second day, a workshop, including a question/discussion period, was held to give participants the opportunity to openly discuss concerns and questions and to develop a plan of action for next steps. It was concluded that human trials to demonstrate the health benefits of seal oil should be the priority. Presentations Presentations were delivered on the seal industry, seal-based products and omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3). Research presented covered epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies. At the workshop, discussion centred on research on the links between seal oil and human health as well as how the industry could ensure that the necessary research is conducted. Highlights related to seal oil are as follows: - seal oil is an excellent source of omega-3;
- there are several kinds of omega-3: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA);
- each type of omega-3 is used by the body differently;
- seal oil is unique for its high DPA content;
- there is a need for clinical research on the health benefits of seal oil;
- there is a need to show the specific properties and health benefits of DPA separate from the other forms of omega-3;
- there is a good potential for incorporating seal oil into some food products, making them into "functional foods", with a view to disease prevention;
- there is a need for caution about contaminants in some sources of omega-3, including in seal oil, but supplements can be processed so as to avoid the presence of contaminants;
- Health Canada is currently working on quality requirements for natural health products, to be in completed in 2010.
Research has shown omega-3 to have many benefits, notably on cardio-vascular health, inflammatory diseases, some mental problems (including schizophrenia and depression), as well as in pre-natal and neo-natal health. Research presented here focussed on the demonstrated benefits of omega-3 in treatment of cardio-vascular and inflammatory diseases and the need for omega-3 in child development. Discussions Discussions were used to clarify the information presented, and to propose possible direction for further action. The following themes stand out: Need for clinical research: The health benefits of seal oil must be demonstrated in trials on humans. The object of these trials would be to show the health benefits attainable through seal oil dietary supplementation over a short period of time and to identify the amounts of seal oil, including the proportions of DPA, DHA, EPA and ALA, that should be administered. Results from a small trial could be expected to generate interest in funding and conducting further trials. Product purity: To ensure confidence is seal oil products, producers must guarantee consumers that these products are safe. The risks relating to any contaminants that cannot be removed must be determined. The public must be informed of the risks versus the benefits of seal oil supplementation. Educational material could include information about the level of similar contaminants in other supplements as well as common dietary ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, dairy etc. As we are confident that seal oil supplements are pure and safe, this issue is mainly one of getting the necessary proof and building public confidence in the products. Seal oil versus other sources of omega-3: DPA has not been studied as extensively as the other types of omega-3. As a high level of DPA is the characteristic that differentiates seal oil from other marine sources of omega-3, research should be conducted on the benefits and recommended levels of component. Need for coordination: There is a need for a centralized organization to help coordinate efforts in research, marketing and general advocacy about the health benefits of seal oil, with a view toward developing a coherent policy, ensuring action and avoiding duplication of efforts nationwide. With media interest being limited, there is a need to develop and disseminate communications materials. A co-ordinated organization could also be helpful to the industry in responding to opposition to the seal hunt. Need to join forces: It is necessary to identify allies. For example, joining forces with groups interested in preventive healthcare could be a good way to promote seal oil as part of preventive healthcare with associated cost-savings to the Canadian public. It is necessary to identify such linkages and seek ways to make the demand for seal oil grow. Next steps - Human trials to prove the benefits of seal oil supplementation must be conducted and the results shared widely to benefit every member of industry and the general public.
- To work toward having the necessary human trials conducted, interested parties must remain active. Right now, this group will be comprised of the conference participants who agreed to continue building on the results achieved at the conference. At this stage, the group will maintain contact via e-mail.
- There is a need to develop communications material to inform the public, medical professionals and other groups about the benefits of seal oil. The messages must be clear, strategic and backed up by scientific results.
- There is a need to engage the nutraceutical industry in the process;
- The establishment of a co-ordinated group representing all interested parties: industry, science, health, First Nations and Inuit, government at all levels, and local community groups should be considered.
Presentations:
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