A new generation of eggs, enhanced with vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids, have been developed by researchers from Wrocław. After testing, preparations derived from these eggs could be used as dietary supplements, for example in the treatment of hypertension.
"The egg contains all the ingredients necessary to produce life. It is such a great product that with appropriate treatment it can be used to obtain the necessary substances for the prevention of lifestyle diseases" - said the project coordinator Prof. Tadeusz Trziszka from the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław.
Over 230 people have been working since 2009 on the development of eggs perfect as a raw material for the manufacture of dietary supplements, and technology of obtaining valuable ingredients. The project called "Ovocura", worth 25 million zł, is ending in the first quarter of 2013.
Chicken and quails laying perfect eggs were fed substances derived from algae. They also had to have appropriate environmental conditions. "There could be no mistake in the production, because each mistake could affect the quality of the eggs" - said Prof. Trziszka.
New eggs, compared to those already on the market, have been enriched with bioactive substances, including vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially DHA, which contributes to the proper functioning of the brain, heart and the circulatory system.
What have the researchers obtained from enriched eggs? "Various types of preparations, including phospholipids that affect the functioning of the heart and brain. These substances can then be used in dietary supplements" - said Prof. Trziszka.
Studies have shown that they have a positive impact on the regeneration process of the body and have a preventive effect. They can be used in the treatment of hypertension, diseases of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease, as well as depression, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.
A separate group of biomedical preparations are substances intended for further clinical research and applications in the production of drugs against cancer, periodontitis, and dermatological diseases.
How are the new supplements different from others? Until now, there was no formulation containing phospholipids of animal origin. "Commercially available supplements are usually derived from plants. We want to extend this market, enriching it with products of animal origin" - said Prof. Trziszka.
"According to our research, the effect of zoonotic phospholipids is more favorable in the treatment of various diseases" - said Prof. Andrzej Szuba of Wrocław Medical University during a recent press conference.
Prof. Trziszka noted that eggs contain a large number of components that can be used as natural ingredients in food supplements. "They are not found in such quantities in any plant or herb" - he added.
In addition, he noted, although you can already find bee products such as royal jelly and honey extracts, until now on the market there were no nutritional supplements made from eggs.
The preparations must undergo a series of tests. "Human studies are necessary. Tests on animals returned promising results with regard to, for example, treatment of hypertension" - said Prof. Szuba. He reminded that the market approval procedure for dietary supplements takes at least two years, and for drugs - up to 10 years.
Starting in April, preparations containing phospholipids will be manufactured on a special production line in Wrocław Technology Park.
The research, co-funded by the European Union, has carried out by the consortium of the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław and Wrocław Medical University.
Source: PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland
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