DHA and ARA Added to Wyeth's U.K. Infant Formulas

DHA and ARA Added to Wyeth's U.K. Infant Formulas

COLUMBIA, Md.--Martek Biosciences Corp.'s nutritional oils containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachindonic acid (ARA) can now be found in infant formulas marketed in the United Kingdom by Wyeth Nutritionals International, an affiliate of Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals Inc. "The United Kingdom is the first country where Wyeth is replacing its standard SMA Gold Formula with a DHA- and ARA-enriched product," said Henry Linsert, Jr., Martek's chairman and chief executive officer. "We are pleased that the value of DHA and ARA is recognized in the United Kingdom and anticipate additional introductions in other countries in the next several months."

The nutritional oils are being added to the infant formula to boost the content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and ARA), which are currently not added to most infant formulas. The British Nutrition Foundation and the Joint Expert Committee on Human Nutrition of the United Nations and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) have recommended that DHA and ARA be included in all infant formulas. For more information, visit www.martekbio.com.