New venture naturally enriches eggs & meat with omega-3

Devenish and Mara Renewables Corporation are jointly launching a new business entity aimed at improving human health by naturally enriching animal feed with a sustainable omega-3 DHA solution.

The new venture, Humanativ, formalises a long-standing partnership between the two companies, facilitating delivery of a unique, patented omega-3 DHA solution to the global animal nutrition market.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mara on this new venture which will enable us to deliver on our shared vision of improving human and animal health through nutrition,” said Owen Brennan, executive chairman, Devenish.

“The health benefits of consuming omega-3 have long been recognised, but research shows that less than 20% of the world’s population are getting the required levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) through their diet.

“Our mission at Humanativ is to increase the levels of omega-3 DHA in the global population year-on-year by making it more accessible through naturally enriched meat and eggs.”

A world-first clinical trial delivered by researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, on behalf of Devenish, indicates regular consumption of naturally enriched omega-3 chicken and eggs can improve omega-3 PUFA levels and also lower blood pressure, both of which are associated with substantial human health benefits*.

“We’ve carried out extensive research and development to produce a unique, sustainable, algae-based omega-3 DHA product, OmegaPro, that enables food producers to naturally enrich meat and eggs through the animals’ diet,” said Brennan.

“By working with Humanativ and incorporating OmegaPro into diets, meat and egg producers will be able to offer a product range with significant proven health benefits, and importantly, make on-pack claims in many regions of the world which will add value to their products.”

Mr Tim Haig, director & executive chair of Mara, said: “At Mara we are driven by invention; researching and developing products that will make a positive impact on human health and the environment.

“We have a found a natural fit in our partnership with Devenish; both companies have a firm focus on research and development, and a shared ethos to drive innovation. Through Humanativ, we will offer an end-to-end solution for our customers through our combined expertise in areas including algal oil production, enrichment, and on-pack claims.”

*Source: Stanton et al., 2020 Omega-3 index and blood pressure responses to eating foods naturally enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports 10, 15444. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-71801-5