Norwegian Herring Research Highlights Omega-11 Health Potential

Quiet week for the pelagic fleet, most have made it home for the Christmas break, Norges Sildesalgslag reports in week 49 of 2022 Norway exported NOK 18.4 billion worth of seafood in October, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same month last year

New Norwegian research suggests omega-11 from herring oil may boost heart health and strengthen demand for Norwegian herring

Research Signals Potential Shift For Pelagic Sector

New research findings presented this week suggest fatty acids known as omega-11, derived from Atlantic herring, could alter how marine oils are viewed in human health and nutrition, with possible implications for value creation in the Norwegian herring industry.

Several research groups are now reporting health effects linked to omega-11, also known as ketolinic acid, prompting renewed interest from both scientists and industry players. The findings were presented at the Pelagic Arena conference in Ålesund on 07 January, attended by around 250 participants from across the pelagic sector.

“If this is true, we could be facing a paradigm shift in how we understand the health effects of marine fatty acids, and it could give Norwegian herring a completely new position,” Ola Flesland of Pelagia AS said.

Evidence Points To Cardiovascular Effects

Professor Oddrun Anita Gudbrandsen of the University of Bergen presented results from several published and ongoing studies examining omega-11 extracted from herring oil. The research indicates that omega-11 may reduce cholesterol levels and dampen inflammation, both central mechanisms in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Gudbrandsen, whose work is partly funded by the Norwegian Heart Foundation, told the conference that omega-11 supplementation in animal models had produced clear results. “This clearly shows that in rats with obesity, omega-11 supplementation has a clear dampening effect on inflammation and cholesterol levels,” she said.

The research group has also completed a dietary study involving residents in Bergen who received omega-11 supplements. Analysis of those results is expected during 2026, although Gudbrandsen cautioned that it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about clinical use in humans.

Herring oil factories, such as the closed Neptun herring oil factory in Vesterålen, were once a common sight along the coast. Now herring oil could once again become a major export item. Photo: Erika Tiré / FHF

Independent Studies Reinforce Findings

Further support comes from a recently completed project funded by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund (FHF), led by Professor Bente Halvorsen at Oslo University Hospital. That work found omega-11 reduced the development of atherosclerosis, or plaque formation in blood vessels, in both mouse models and human studies.

Taken together, the studies suggest omega-11 may have an independent effect on heart health, distinct from the better-known omega-3 fatty acids.

Industry Moves To Scale Production

Pelagia subsidiary Epax AS, one of Norway’s largest dietary supplement producers, is now increasing its focus on omega-11. The company has worked with herring oil since 2013 and launched its first omega-11 product in 2020.

Research manager Iren Stoknes said the company is investing heavily in new capacity. “We will complete a completely new production line for omega-11 during 2026,” she said, adding that ongoing research is critical for both industry credibility and consumer trust.

Grøntvedt Biotech AS is also commercialising omega-11 internationally. Henrik Traaholt, the company’s commercial director, said omega-11 appears to complement existing marine oils. “Omega-11 is a complementary product, and appears to have different effects than the more well-known fatty acids from fish,” he said.

Potential Boost For Norwegian Herring

The findings arrive as the pelagic sector faces tighter conditions going into 2026, including a sharp reduction in mackerel quotas. An increase in the herring quota offers some relief, and industry figures believe new health claims could further strengthen demand.

FHF’s head of science, Lars R. Lovund, said earlier research had already shown that Norwegian spring-spawning herring contains particularly high levels of omega-11. He believes further studies will improve understanding of how specific fatty acids affect human health.

For Pelagia’s Flesland, the commercial implications could be significant. “In practice, this could mean the start of a new era of prosperity for Norwegian herring,” he said.

Source: Press Release