DHAid™ - omega-3 DHA from a vegetarian source

DHAid™ is a concentrated and purely vegetarian source of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is produced from a proprietary strain of microalgae through a controlled fermentation process. DHAid™ is an environmentally friendly source of DHA as it is manufactured using renewable resources. DHAid™ is also non-allergenic, free of potential contaminants often associated with seafood and does not use chemical solvents for production.

DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is important for cell membrane fluidity, flexibility and permeability. It is found in many areas of the body and in particularly high concentrations in the eyes, sperm and brain. While your body can convert the other omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid, ALA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) to DHA, studies have shown this conversion is very inefficient. Therefore, although ALA is found in many different foods, it is unlikely to meet DHA recommendations through dietary intake of ALA alone. Furthermore, most experts have agreed that DHA is the most important omega-3 fatty acid and that it cannot be substituted by other omega-3 fatty acids.

DHA has many different health benefits, including cardiovascular health. In a study of vegetarian volunteers, those who were supplemented with DHAid™ reached the highest protection level, greater than eight percent, on the omega-3 index while those in the placebo group did not achieve such a significant increase. The omega-3 index is a marker for heart health risk, with better correlation to heart health than other risk factors such as triglyceride or cholesterol level. DHA is also important for cognitive development and function in infants and children as well as visual function across the age spectrum.

Using a proprietary strain of microalgae, Lonza’s innovative technology allows DHA to be produced with superior quality. During the unique production process, microalgae are grown in fermentation vessels. They are allowed to grow to large volumes and therefore accumulate significant quantities of DHA. DHAid™ is then extracted and refined in processes that are very similar to those used in conventional vegetable oils.

In 2012, Lonza launched a new generation of DHAid™ products. Lonza offers three products:

• DHAid™ FNO-350 is a functional nutrition oil. It contains ≥350 milligrams DHA/gram and can be used for all food applications.
• DHAid™ CL-400 is a clear liquid. It contains ≥400 milligrams DHA/gram and is especially recommended for dietary supplements, but can be used for all food applications.
• DHAid™ Dry is a dried powder form of DHAid™. It contains ≥100 milligrams DHA/gram and is recommended for dry mixes, such as functional beverage powders.

Further information can be found at www.dhaid.info​