Martek Biosciences: On the Leading Edge of Essential Fatty Acids

Martek Biosciences, Columbia, MD, has been hard at work over the last several years substantiating its algae-derived docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and fungi-derived arachidonic acid (ARA) ingredients for a variety of health benefits, especially in the areas of heart, brain and eye health, as well as infant development. These essential fatty acids are at the forefront of product development in the nutraceuticals market today.

In the realm of infant formula, Mar­tek claims that ap­proximately 80% of all U.S. infant formulas contain its DHA and ARA ingredients. Some of these products include Enfamil Lipil from Mead Johnson Nutritionals; Similac Advance from Ross Products, a division of Abbott Laboratories; Parent’s Choice with Lipids, a private label infant formula available at Walmart stores; Nestlé Good Start Supreme DHA & ARA infant formula; and Bright Beginnings from PBM Products.

In addition to infant formula, the company’s flagship ingredients have also been incorporated into a wide range of food and beverage products. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare recently launched two powdered drink mixes in India fortified with Martek DHA, including Mother’s Horlicks, which is specially formulated to meet the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and Junior Horlicks, which is specially formulated to meet the needs of the child’s developing brain and nervous system. In March this year, Vincent Foods launched Oh Mama! nutrition bars for pregnant and nursing women, which contain Martek DHA. In the same month, Hidden Villa Ranch began selling Gold Circle Farms liquid egg whites containing Martek DHA.

But the development catching a lot of industry attention lately is Martek’s supply and licensing agreement with Kellogg’s. In February, the company signed a 15-year non-exclusive licensing agreement to supply Kellogg’s with its DHA ingredient for use in a new line of fortified foods. Initial products are expected to launch by the middle of next year. All products containing Martek’s ingredient will display the Martek DHA logo on all product packaging, print advertisements and certain other promotional materials.

While Martek has been paying close attention to recent product launches, it has been equally focused on supporting ongoing research. To date, evidence pointing to the benefits of DHA and ARA in infant development, heart health, brain health/ development and eye health has been pouring out of peer-reviewed journals at a steady rate. With regard to infant development in particular, studies continue to demonstrate DHA’s effects in improving visual acuity, growth and psychomotor development. Evidence has also been quite robust in the area of maternal supplementation of DHA. Other significant studies using Martek’s DHA re­volve around cardiovascular health, especially in the area of cholesterol-lowering.

These and other studies have been critical to paving the way for health claims. In September 2004, FDA announced that it would allow conventional foods and dietary supplements containing DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to make a qualified health claim for reduced risk of coronary heart disease on product packaging. Also, in May 2005, Martek learned that the FDA did not object to its petition regarding a nutrient content claim. This claim now enables products containing at least 32 milligrams of DHA per serving to indicate that such products are an “excellent source” of DHA.

Beth Schimel Parker, public relations manager, says consumers are becoming more convinced that diet plays an important role in maintaining good health and preventing illness, and Martek hopes to be there to meet their continued needs through supplements, foods and beverages. “Food companies are responding to consumer demand by offering healthier products and functional foods,” she said. “However, with a flood of new products hitting the market that promise to keep them healthy, consumers are more skeptical than ever. They are scrutinizing labels and doing their research to ensure that the foods and supplements they buy provide a credible benefit.” Ms. Parker believes in order to succeed in the future nutraceuticals industry the ability to demonstrate a credible benefit will be imperative.—R.W.


Martek Biosciences
6480 Dobbin Road
Columbia, MD 21045
Telephone: 888-OK-BRAIN
Fax: 410-992-9785
E-mail: info@martekbio.com
Website: www.martekbio.com