DHA algal oil innovation: dsm-firmenich expands advanced life’s portfolio

Health and nutrition giant dsm-firmenich launches new potent algal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil life’sDHA B54-0100, part of its life’s portfolio of plant-based, environmentally sustainable supplements.

“Fish oil supply is not limitless. But algae are. That’s why we introduced life’s to the market,” comments Brent MacDonald, dsm-firmenich’s business development director for algal lipids.

The product delivers 545 mg pure DHA and 80 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) per gram (equivalent to 620 mg of omega-3 triglycerides). This enables the development of smaller, more cost-effective capsules with higher DHA concentrations.

“Our mission is to close the omega-3 deficiency gap and ensure that the 80% of the global population currently not meeting daily recommended intake can benefit from these essential nutrients without harming marine life. life’s DHA B54-0100 can help to achieve exactly that.”

Formulations and sustainably 

The company further touts its new product as having a “superior sensory profile, free from fishy odors and aftertaste.” This makes DHA B54-0100 suitable for supplement formats such as gummies, chews and “candyceuticals.”

Meanwhile, traditional fish-sourced DHA ingredients are not suitable for such formulations. 

By sourcing the DHA directly from algae under strictly controlled conditions, dsm-firmenich provides a sustainable and contaminant-free alternative.

“It brings all the science-based benefits of DHA but at lower inclusion levels, transforms the sensory experience of omega-3 consumption and is good for the planet, making it ideal for applications across the supplement space. Plus, since it’s derived from algae, it also offers reliability in cost and supply chain stability.”

Another product from the same line, life’sOmega O3020 was introduced to the North American market in early 2024, which recently received regulatory approval in EMEA. 

At the upcoming SupplySide West trade show, dsm-firmenich will showcase its life’s portofolio to visitors, including its expanded life’sOmega and life’sDHA ranges.

The company has also been developing and will be launching two new EPA-rich products in early 2025, further expanding the life’s portfolio with a range of options that meet consumers’ nutritional and health needs and format preferences.