Martek Biosciences Corporation reported about the results of a study, directed by a team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University, weighed the cardiovascular benefit of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) derived from fish consumption, as compared to the cardiovascular health risk posed by the mercury content in certain fish. Researchers found that, while high DHA levels were directly correlated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, high mercury levels were directly correlated with the risk of heart attack. Based on these findings, researchers concluded that, "High mercury content may diminish the cardioprotective effect of fish intake."
These findings come only one week following a scientific statement issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) regarding the cardiovascular health benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA. The statement cautioned, however, that fish intake "must be balanced with concerns about environmental pollutants" because some species of fish may contain significant levels of methyl mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and other contaminants. Both the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have advised that children, pregnant women, women who may become pregnant and nursing mothers limit their intake of certain fish. In consideration of the health risks posed by such contaminants, the authors of the AHA statement concluded by stating, "The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their extensive use."
Martek Biosciences Corporation has developed a vegetarian, contaminant- free, Kosher, Halal omega-3 DHA manufactured under FDA inspected, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions. DHA is found in human breast-milk and has been found in numerous clinical studies to provide cardiovascular and neurological development benefit. This plant-derived DHA is the only DHA that has been reviewed by the FDA and cleared for use in US infant formulas. This contaminant-free DHA is also available nationwide as an adult nutritional supplement under the trade name "Neuromins."
"The New England Journal's report on the cardiovascular risks with mercury in fish further points out that not all omega-3s are created equal with regard to safety in humans," stated Henry "Pete" Linsert, Jr., Martek Chairman and CEO. "Martek's DHA is not produced from fish, but produced by algae under FDA inspection. Martek manufactures the only DHA that has been accepted for infant formula use by the FDA in the US."