Martek Biosciences Corporation and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. have entered into a license and supply agreement whereby Martek will serve as the exclusive DHA and ARA supplier for all Hain Celestial infant formula products in the United States.
The companies also announced that they are in discussions regarding the potential expansion of this relationship into other food and beverage products. Martek produces DHA, a vegetarian source of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid.
Hain Celestial recently unveiled a new infant formula as part of the Earth’s Best brand, the leading brand of organic baby and toddler food sold in natural food stores and the fastest growing organic baby food brand in grocery stores. Earth’s Best Infant Formula meets the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for infant formula and is produced without the use of antibiotics, genetically engineered ingredients, or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. In addition, Earth’s Best Infant Formula will contain levels of DHA and ARA that have been shown through research to optimize brain and eye development. Hain Celestial chose Martek since Martek’s vegetarian DHA and ARA are consistent with Hain Celestial’s commitment to provide only the highest quality natural and organic foods.
“We are excited about the developing science of DHA and ARA and our role in bringing its health benefits to babies through our Earth’s Best infant formula,” said Irwin D. Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hain Celestial. “Hain Celestial chose Martek for its high quality DHA and ARA, and we are looking forward to incorporating DHA into our great-tasting and healthy food products.”
Martek manufactures nutritional oils that contain the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA and ARA, both of which are naturally present in breast milk. Clinical studies have demonstrated benefits for infants receiving DHA and ARA supplemented formula. Martek’s proprietary blend of DHA and ARA is the only source of these nutrients currently used in U.S. infant formula and infant formula containing Martek’s DHA and ARA is currently sold in more than 65 countries worldwide.
“Martek finds it rewarding to partner with a company that is committed to the health of infants by providing a product that contains high quality, safe DHA and ARA at levels shown to support brain and eye development.” said Steve Dubin, president and CEO of Martek Biosciences Corporation. “We look forward to working with Hain Celestial, the company that makes many of the world’s most trusted and sought after natural and organic food and personal care products.”
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