Specialty ingredients manufacturer Nutrinova officially launched its omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), at Supplyside West in Las Vegas last week.
Marketed under the brand name DHActive, the addition to Nutrinova's portfolio marks the company's decision to increase its offering in health ingredients as the trend for health-conscious nutrition continues to grow.
Nutrinova began marketing DHA following the acquisition of Celanese Ventures' biotechnology unit, Protos-Biotech, in July 2002.
The company uses highly developed microorganisms called protists to produce DHActive, which it claims gives the product significant advantages over omega-3 fatty acids which are extracted from cold water fish. DHActive is said to contain a higher percentage of DHA and has a pleasant taste. The product can be taken as a dietary supplement or used as a food ingredient in functional foods.
Scientific studies have shown that an adequate supply of DHA promotes the brain and eyesight development of infants and improves the general health of adults. Studies also show that DHA can positively contribute to cardiovascular health.
Nutrinova's DHActive has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status, allowing its use in the United States in dietary supplements and in traditional foods such as baked goods, cereals, dairy products, fruit juices or snacks.
Nutrinova also makes the high intensity sweetener Sunett (Acesulfame K) and its carob fiber, Caromax. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, the company is also one of the world's largest producers of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid.