Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/464860
whole foods such as milk, meat, fish and eggs from animals fed a diet containing DHA microalgae. These foods help meet the nutritional needs of the growing population of active and health-conscious consumers. By incorporating algal DHA in animal feed, animals display health, wellness and performance benefits, meaning that farmers produce premium naturally enriched products, which may be branded as 'functional foods', thus passing the nutritional benefit of DHA onto the consumer. This approach stands in sharp contrast to traditional food fortification, in which supplemental nutrients, often in forms that humans cannot efficiently use or absorb, are piggybacked into foods during processing. Fish – keeping it healthy A major reason for eating fish is that it contains healthy oils, which contain DHA. The 'two portions a week' guideline supports this, but what if diets fed to farmed fish do not contain sufficient DHA? Fortunately, adding algal DHA to the fish feed can ensure that the fish produced will be healthy for the consumer. Could milk, chicken and eggs be the 'new fish'? Imagine eating chicken that reduced CHD risk, or drinking a glass of milk that improved learning and memory. This may be achieved through what we feed our animals, and, what's more, there are companies around the world, including in the UK, already doing this specifically with DHA. Not only are these foods better for you but they look and taste better as well. Is algal DHA sustainable? Approximately 30% of the world's commercially produced algae is used in animal feed, the largest application being in aquaculture. Algal DHA replaces fish oil, thus helping to meet increased demands for farmed fish, particularly salmon. Salmon companies worldwide may embrace this technology, which allows production to meet demand and increases the level of DHA in the fillet, as a healthy portion. Raising standards for the future To raise nutrition and health standards in the agricultural arena, it is necessary to educate and create awareness around the issue. We need to understand what the limiting factors are and, through animal or plant nutrition, provide the most biologically available form of the nutrient to benefit consumer health in a way that is natural, acceptable, affordable and sustainable. At Alltech, we believe that new technologies and their adoption throughout the food chain are paramount to achieving affordable, nutritious and sustainably produced food. The availability of essential components such as DHA is core to this, and the production of algal DHA is one of the most promising of these technologies. 41 AGRICULTURE EDITION ALLTECH | Microscopic algae Alltech Algae Fish oil Fish Fish meal Animal Supplements Animal Food Balanced omega-6/ omega-3 ratio Food » W H A T W E D O » Alltech improves the health and performance of people, animals and plants through natural nutrition derived from scientific innovation applied throughout the food chain. » Alltech follows the ACE principle, having a positive impact on the Animal, Consumer and Environment. » Alltech uses yeast, algal and enzyme fermentation technology to provide natural solutions to address challenges of the animal feed and human food industries, ensuring increased efficiency, profitability and sustainability. DHA deficiency is considered a major public health concern " "