AAK and Progress Biotech partner on algae-based omega 3s for infant formula

28 Sep 2021 --- AAK is bringing Progress Biotech’s algae-based DHA to the infant formula market.

“This partnership means we can offer infant formula manufacturers a plant-based DHA oil that meets the highest demands on quality. Our algal DHA also has neutral taste and color, which is difficult to achieve with alternatives based on fish oil,” says Dr. Raimund Hoenes, AAK’s head of global special nutrition.

AAK is a supplier of oils and fats to the global infant formula industry and the agreement allows it to further expand its portfolio of active lipids.

“Studies have shown that the maximum level for pregnant and lactating women should be 600 mg DHA/day. Adequate maternal levels of DHA in newborns offer a variety of benefits,” Jaap Peters, CEO and founder of Progress Biotech, tells NutritionInsight.

“These benefits include less risk of early preterm births, less newborns with (very) low birthweight, better cellular immune response and better brain maturity.”

The agreement allows AAK to further expand its portfolio of active lipids.Peters also spotlights DHA’s benefits for maternal health, growing children, fertility, sports nutrition, healthy aging, heart health and brain health.

Plant-based fatty acids
DHA is a mandatory ingredient within infant formula across the EU. It is an omega 3 fatty acid commonly sourced from fish oils and offers several clinically proven benefits.

“International experts recently reviewed the scientific evidence on DHA and ARA in infant nutrition and concluded that infant and follow-on formulas should provide both DHA and ARA at levels similar to those in breast milk,” says Peters.

Progress Biotech’s DHA, however, is plant-based as it is derived from algae. The company secured Infant Novel Food approval in the EU for its algal DHA in May 2021. 

It represents the purest form of DHA oil, with neutral taste and color. It is also  produced without the use of solvents.

Previously, NutritionInsight reported on how omega 3 companies are branching out with plant-based formats amid environmental challenges.

Sustainable DHA trade
In addition to its technical expertise on DHA oils, Progress Biotech has extensive experience in international trade and logistics.

“Having evaluated the DHA oil market, we chose Progress Biotech as our strategic partner because it shares our goals to deliver on quality, sustainable sourcing and the importance of a flexible supply chain.”

Algal DHA has a neutral taste and color, which is difficult to achieve with fish oil alternatives.AAK’s decision to add the plant-based DHA to its portfolio is supported by the product’s sustainability credentials as it has a far lower environmental impact than DHA sourced from fish.

The microalgae used to produce Progress Biotech’s DHA oil are sourced from the sea, but the production is carried out in a closed environment. 

This allows for optimal quality levels and purity, while it also means any environmental impact can be strictly controlled and minimized.

Omega 3 NPD boom
Earlier this year, Evonik announced that it is targeting Latin America’s “strong” market demand for dietary supplements, with the company rolling out some of its fish oil-based omega 3 grades in Brazil. Two versions of the high-load powder platform, called AvailOm, received approval from the Brazilian health authority ANVISA.

Meanwhile, Germany-based Aenova is expanding its vegan soft capsule portfolio by adding chewable omega 3 variants. They are based on its existing Aenova VegaGels and are filled with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acids from microalgae. 

By Kristiana Lalou