Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/464860
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice 40 | ALLTECH There are over 10 million species of algae but the best known types are still the green, slimy kinds such as seaweed. However, other species of algae can be naturally high in protein, oil and carbohydrates, and are used in food, animal health and nutrition, fish feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and biofuels. Microalgae with the greatest potential for animal nutrition and human health are not grown in a pond but in a heterotrophically controlled fermentation environment to produce oil containing high levels of DHA. The good fats – fish vs vegetable oil Traditionally, fish oil has been added to animal feed as the most common source of omega-3 fatty acids, providing DHA throughout the food chain. Today, however, with a dwindling supply and increasing demand from other industries, the use of fish oil in animal nutrition is being replaced by vegetable oil, which does not specifically contain DHA. The end result is that lower levels of DHA enter the food chain. Simply put, vegetable oil cannot replace fish oil as a source of DHA. What's so important about omega-3 DHA? The lifetime levels of DHA in the body play an important role in overall health, although the importance of DHA is generally poorly understood by consumers. The lack of fish in the Western diet – compounded by a limited range of DHA-rich foods – exacerbates the issue, and dietary supplements of DHA, such as fish oil, are not widely consumed. Consequently, it is no surprise that DHA deficiency is considered a major public health concern, with the average adult intake typically being below the 250 mg/day recommended by the European Food Safety Authority. DHA and childhood DHA is widely recognised for its role in supporting healthy brain development, which is why it is included in nearly all infant formulas. However, many older children do not receive the recommended daily amount of DHA through their diet. A study carried out at the University of Oxford showed that DHA supports improved attention and reading ability, while also decreasing impulsivity and disruptive behaviour, and several studies have concluded that DHA has a direct impact on the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ... and later in life The importance of DHA continues with age, although most adults do not receive adequate amounts through their diet. This may contribute to excess inflammation in the body, increasing the incidence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, depression, diabetes, cancer and, specifically, Alzheimer's disease. DHA is the primary structural component of the brain, and a study published in The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association showed that dietary supplementation with DHA may reduce symptoms of age-related mental decline. We are what our animals ate Today, increasing DHA intake is simpler than ever, through consuming natural, DHA is essential to human health, providing vital wellness benefits throughout life » H A V E A H E A R T According to the World Health Organization, coronary heart disease (CHD) is now the leading cause of death worldwide and is on the rise. The British Heart Foundation recommends replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats as part of a heart-healthy diet, and numerous studies have shown that DHA has positive effects on blood cholesterol, reduces inflammation and improves blood vessel function, all of which help prevent heart disease. For a heart-healthy diet, two portions of oily fish a week is sufficient if enough DHA is in the feed fed to fish. In just 11 days, 1 g of algae grows to 20,000 kg Pregnancy • Brain • Heart • Eyes • Foetus • Mood • Brain • Eyes • Growth • Learning • Brain • Eyes • Learning • Behaviour • Brain • Heart • Eyes • Mood • Anti-inflammatory • Brain • Anti-inflammatory (joints) • Heart • Eyes • Memory Baby Child Adult Senior