DSM Showcases Vegetarian DHA Omega-3 for Every Stage of Life at FIE
At this year’s FIE, DSM Nutritional Products will showcase algae-derived DHA omega-3 and will emphasize the multiple health benefits of DHA. DHA is an essential fatty acid that supports brain, eye and heart health throughout life and can be used in a range of applications including supplements, baked goods, confectionery, dairy and drinks.
Nov 29 2011 --- DHA is a major structural fat in the brain and retina accounting for up to 97 percent of the omega-3 fats in the brain and up to 93 percent of the omega-3 fats in the retina. It is also a key component of the heart. Numerous studies confirm that everyone, from infants to adults, benefits from an adequate supply of DHA. One of the most interesting studies on DHA to be published recently is the Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic acid Study (MIDAS).The large, randomised and placebo-controlled study found that healthy people with memory complaints who took 900 mg of Martek (now part of DSM) algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo, a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger. The results of the MIDAS study represent an important breakthrough in the brain health arena.
The potential for DHA to reduce the risk of vision loss in older people is another popular study area for researchers today. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the over 50s. There is scientific evidence indicating that increased consumption of DHA may decrease the likelihood of developing advanced ARMD.
Cardiovascular health is also a major concern for people across the globe; multiple studies indicate DHA can support heart health. DHA is one of the few nutrients to receive a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for heart health. The opinion states a cause and effect relationship was established between the consumption of DHA and the maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides for heart health.
“At FiE this year, we are looking forward to showcasing the significant heart, brain and eye health benefits of DHA,” comments John Dobson, Head of Market Development life’sDHA. “DHA is an essential nutrient that should be consumed as part of a healthy diet. Our life’sDHA is a vegetarian DHA derived from algae and can be used as a supplement, as well as an ingredient in a range of foods and beverages. Not only does it help support brain, eye and heart healthy, it is also a vegetarian alternative to fish oil omega-3.”
life'sDHA™ is a sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA omega-3 which is used in foods, beverages, infant formula and supplements. life’sAA™ is a sustainable vegetarian source of omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, for use in infant formula.
