Product Profiles: Lonza Inc.

DHAid – The Vegetarian Source

DHAid™ is a concentrated and purely vegetarian source of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential long-chain fatty acid. It is produced from a strain of microalgae through a patented fermentation process. DHAid™ is an environmentally friendly source of DHA as it is manufactured using renewable resources. DHAid™ is non-allergenic, free of potential contaminants often associated with seafood, and uses no chemical solvents for production.

DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is used by our bodies as a building block for cell membranes where it plays an important role in membrane fluidity, flexibility and permeability. It is found in many areas of the body and in particularly high concentrations in the brain, nerve tissue and in the retina of the eye.

Health Benefits of DHAid™
Brain health. DHA serves as a major structural and functional building block. It is the most prevalent omega-3 fatty acid present in gray matter, accounting for about 30% of its structural lipids. Research has shown that DHA may be important for optimal brain health across the age spectrum. For infants and children, it is well established that DHA is required during fetal and child brain growth. In adolescents, supplementation with DHA was found to prevent aggression enhancement during times of mental stress. In adults and elderly populations, DHA helps maintain normal brain function. Scientific evidence links reduced DHA levels to a number of mental disorders.

Eye health. There are high concentrations of DHA in the retina, particularly in the photoreceptors. DHA is involved in the intercellular signaling pathway that transforms light signals to neuronal activity. Experts agree that DHA is required for optimal eye health and vision across the age spectrum. For infants and children, DHA intake is associated with increased visual acuity and improved visual function. In adults, DHA supplementation has been shown to play a protective role in visual decline pathologies, such as age-related macular degeneration.

Cardiovascular health. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid consumption and heart health. The main heart health benefits of DHA include its ability to lower triglycerides, increase HDL (good cholesterol), decrease blood pressure and improve endothelial and vascular function.

Pregnancy and lactation. Prenatal and early postnatal DHA statuses have an impact on healthy brain growth and cognitive function of the child. In order to achieve optimal DHA status, pregnant and lactating women need to ensure adequate intake.

DHAid™ Production Process
Using the naturally occurring microalgae Ulkenia, Lonza’s innovative technology allows DHA oils to be produced with superior quality. During the patented production process, microalgae are grown in fermentation vessels. They are allowed to grow to large volumes and therefore accumulate significant quantities of DHA. DHAid™ is then extracted and refined in processes that are very similar to those used in the production of conventional vegetable oils. All DHAid™ products are produced without use of any solvents. Furthermore, because of the fully controlled fermentation-based production process, DHAid™ is free of the possible contaminants often associated with omega-3s from animal sources.

DHAid™ Safety at a Glance
• Member of GOED, the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3
• Produced according to HACCP and GMP standards for food products
• ISO 9001 certification
• Production based on renewable resources
• GMO and allergen free
• Production process is free of chemical solvents
• Purely vegetarian source of DHA
• Novel food status in the EU
• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) affirmed status by US FDA