COLUMBIA, Md., Oct 16, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Martek Biosciences, a DHA omega-3 market leader, announced today that Beech-Nut(R), the number two leading baby food brand in the United States, has launched Beech-Nut(R) DHA Plus with life'sDHA(TM), a line of baby foods and cereals with added DHA and prebiotics for infant brain and eye development and digestive health. Martek's life'sDHA(TM) is featured in nine Beech-Nut(R) DHA Plus products available at retailers nationwide this month.
"Martek is pleased to be working with Beech-Nut to offer a baby food product with life'sDHA(TM)," said Steve Dubin, CEO of Martek Biosciences. "Beech-Nut(R) DHA Plus with life'sDHA(TM) will help ensure that babies transitioning to solid foods continue to get enough DHA, a nutrient that is vital to brain and eye development, especially in the early years."
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3 is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes 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 their diets. Scientific reviews have noted the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye function, and there are studies currently underway to investigate 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.
Beech-Nut is the number two leading baby food brand in the United States and is committed to delivering more nutritious choices for parents and babies. Beech-Nut is a subsidiary of the Hero Group of Lenzburg, Switzerland, an international brand-focused consumer-foods group committed to producing high- quality, nutritious products in its core product categories of Fruit and Infant Nutrition. Hero is active in over 30 international markets, predominantly in Europe, North America and Middle East/Africa.
Martek Biosciences Corporation (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 the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), for use in foods, beverages, infant formula, and supplements. The company also produces life'sARA(TM) (arachidonic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid, from a sustainable, vegetarian source, for use in infant formula. For more information on Martek Biosciences Corporation, visit http://www.martek.com .
Sections of this release contain forward-looking statements. 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.