Increasing DHA Options

Evidence supporting the importance of adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake continues to mount. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, supports brain and central nervous system development and function; psychomotor development; visual development and function; heart health; and nerve signal transmission. Product developers can help consumers replenish their naturally occurring supply of DHA by including it in their formulations.

Martek DHA-HM is the newest addition to a line of DHA ingredients from Martek Biosciences Corporation. This oil has “the same DHA concentration as our clear oil, except it contains small amounts of saturated fats that are left behind intentionally during processing,” says Ruben Abril, director, ingredient formulations and technical support. “This gives the oil a semisolid, or cloudy, consistency at room temperature, but does not affect significantly the fat nutritional composition of foods that are fortified with it.”

Martek DHA-HM contains 350 mg DHA per gram and does not adversely affect a product’s sensory characteristics. It is produced from algae grown in an FDA inspected facility, and can be used to fortify traditionally vegetarian applications, such as cheese, bakery products, yogurt, nutritional bars and more.

“In many food systems, clarity of oil is inconsequential,” Abril says. “In those cases, this oil offers lower cost and, in some cases, added stability, because of the presence of saturated fats. As a rule of thumb, Martek DHAHM cannot be used in beverages at this time.”

The company recommends a usage rate of approximately 91 mg of Martek DHA-HM per serving in order to achieve 32 mg DHA per serving. “Therefore, a typical serving of cheese of 30 grams will contain 91 mg of the oil, which corresponds to approximately 0.3% (w/w),” Abril says.

Products containing a minimum of 32 mg of DHA per serving can use an FDA nutrient content claim, such as “an excellent source of DHA,” “high in DHA” or “rich in DHA.”

Martek DHA-HM is kosher, halal and GRAS.

Martek Biosciences Corporation 
6480 Dobbin Road 
Columbia, MD 21045 
Phone: 800/662-6339 
E-mail: [email protected] 
Website: www.martek.com