Martek’s
life’sDHA(TM) from microalgae successfully reduces diastolic blood pressure
in middle-aged subjects, according to an independent study published in the
April issue of the Journal of Nutrition. The study, conducted at King’s
College, London, reported a significant reduction in diastolic blood
pressure. The investigators noted that this reduction is likely to be of
clinical significance with regard to risk of future vascular events. This
is the first study to assess the effects on blood pressure of intakes of
DHA alone at less than 1.0 g per day. The study was neither funded nor
sponsored by Martek Biosciences, but used Martek’s life’sDHA(TM) as its
algal DHA source.
The study involved 38 middle-aged subjects with an average age of 49
and an average blood pressure of 122/79 mmHg. Subjects randomly received
either a 0.7 g per day of DHA or placebo for three months. Diastolic blood
pressure decreased by an average of 3.3 mmHg. No significant changes
occurred in systolic blood pressure. The daily DHA supplement increased DHA
levels in red blood cells (erythrocytes) by 58 percent.
“This research is further evidence supporting the cardiovascular health
benefits of Martek’s life’sDHA(TM),” said Steve Dubin, CEO of Martek
Biosciences.
Martek’s life’sDHA(TM) is a vegetarian form of DHA omega-3, a long
chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the
brain and the eye 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 have noted the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye
development and function, and there are clinical studies underway to
evaluate its role 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.
Martek’s life’sDHA(TM) is unique in the market because it is derived
from a sustainable and vegetarian source. Made from microalgae under
tightly controlled manufacturing conditions, life’sDHA(TM) is free of
oceanic contaminants that may be present in certain fish or fish oils.
Microalgae are the only vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, the key omega-3
for brain and eye development and function.
Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK) is a leader in the
innovation and development of DHA omega-3 products that promote health and
wellness through every stage of life. The Company produces life’sDHA(TM), a
sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, for use in foods,
beverages, infant formula, and supplements, and ARA (arachidonic acid), an
omega-6 fatty acid, for use in infant formula. For more information on
Martek Biosciences, visit martek/.
Sections of this release contain forward-looking statements concerning,
among other things, the results of a scientific study involving DHA
published in the Journal of Nutrition, the health benefits of
life’sDHA(TM), and the science surrounding DHA. These statements are based
upon numerous assumptions which Martek cannot control and involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. These statements
should be understood in light of the risk factors set forth in the
Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including,
but not limited to, the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2006 and other filed reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-K/A, Form
10-Q and Form 8-K.
Martek Biosciences Corporation
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