Dow AgroSciences, Martek Biosciences Form Alliance to Bring Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Foo...( COLUMBIA Md. and INDIANAPOLIS May...)

COLUMBIA, Md. and INDIANAPOLIS, May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dow AgroSciences LLC and Martek Biosciences Corporation today announced a collaborative agreement to jointly develop and commercialize a canola seed that produces the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Under the terms of the agreement, Martek and Dow AgroSciences will co-develop the canola seed, which will produce a DHA-rich canola oil that will be part of Dow AgroSciences' "next generation" of food industry oils. The intent of the collaboration is to develop a DHA-rich canola oil which would strengthen Martek's position as a leading producer and marketer of DHA-enriched oils and powders and complement Dow AgroSciences' current Omega-9 Oils platform which is being widely adopted by the food industry to remove trans fat and reduce saturated fat in food products. Dow AgroSciences and Martek anticipate a multi-year effort to produce this new healthy oil, which when commercialized will be marketed to the food industry.

DHA omega-3 is a long-chain fatty acid that serves as the primary structural fatty acid found in the brain and the eyes, and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to aging adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA omega-3 in the diet. Scientific reviews highlight the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye development and function, and clinical studies are underway to evaluate the role of DHA in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders. Yet despite its importance, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes of DHA omega-3 in the world.

Today DHA is primarily sourced from algal fermentation and fish oil. Production of DHA in canola will allow for a more cost-effective vegetarian supply for use in certain food applications.

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