Their goal is brain power
By Mark Guidera,
Baltimore Sun Staff
Science: Researchers at Martek Biosciences say
the DHA oil they've developed could become a
common nutritional supplement used to keep the
body's nervous system healthy.
Dr. David Kyle wasn't surprised when a British research
study published earlier this month concluded that infants
deprived of breast milk may be at higher risk for
developing schizophrenia later in life.
As one of the developers of a nutritional oil derived form
micro algae, the Martek Biosciences Corp. researcher has
long followed the growing body of scientific evidence that
a certain fatty acid found in breast milk plays a critical role
in the visual and neurological development of children.
That acid, docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is the key
ingredient in the highly purified oil Kyle developed for
Columbia-based Martek.
In the newest findings, Dr. Robin G. McCreadie, of the
Crichton Royal Hospital in Scotland, surmised in his study that the higher
incidence of schizophrenia in bottle-fed
babies could be linked to a lack of DHA in the diet.
McCreadie reported in the study, published May 14 in the
British Journal of Psychiatry, that "schizophrenic patients
are less likely to have been breast-fed, and those who have
not been breast-fed are more likely to have the illness."
The increased risk of schizophrenia was found "in the
individual predisposed to the illness by genetic factors or
previous environmental insult," McCreadie wrote.
More than 15 other scientific studies have pointed to a
correlation between DHA deprivation and attention deficit
disorder in children, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and
visual disorders including retinitis pigmentosa.
Kyle, senior vice president for research and development
at Martek, believes that as the body of evidence linking
DHA in the diet to brain and visual development grows
and is better understood by doctors and consumers,
market distinction and acceptance for DHA should grow.
While DHA, an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is also
found naturally in fish, eggs and some meat, such as liver,
the Western diet has shifted away from some of these
foods, Kyle said. And some people may not get enough
DHA. He surmises diet changes may explain the rise in
attention deficit disorder and other mental disorders.
Whether the findings of the British study help propel sales
of Martek's DHA oil, and hence Martek revenue, remains
to be seem, said Alex Zisson, a biotechnology analyst with
Hambrecht & Quist.
The McCreadie study, though, adds to a trend that favors
Martek, said Zisson.
"There are a lot of studies now that say DHA appears to
be beneficial," said Zisson.
And Martek has such high hopes for its DHA products
that it has developed a marketing slogan -- "Feed your
head" -- to highlight the scientific data pointing to DHA's
benefits to brain and visual development.
One stumbling block to be overcome in DHA's marketing
effort: A Yankelovich survey found DHA is confused by
many retailers with DHEA. DHEA is a controversial
hormone marketed as a diet supplement. It has received
considerable publicity because of claims it can boost
energy.
Meanwhile, Martek, which is developing products from a
vast storehouse of micro algae, continues to build
momentum with DHA.
It has deals with most of the major infant formula makers
to use it in preterm infant formulas in Europe and
Australia. Spain recently approved its use in infant formula
for full-term babies.
The additive is not approved for use in formulas in the
United States. But government health regulators are
looking into whether nutritional additives should be
approved.
Meanwhile, Martek's DHA oil has hit the U.S. market in a
capsule form, called Neuromins. The capsules are
marketed in two forms -- as a general diet supplement and
in a higher dosage for pregnant and lactating women.
Zisson, the analyst, said Martek's DHA dietary supplement
capsules appear to be getting as strong reception in the
marketplace.
Martek reported that total product sales increased by
$344,000, or 193 percent, due primarily to strong sales of
the Neuromins, in its most recent quarter, which ended
March 13. The company reported a net loss of $3.45
million, or 26 cents a share, on $957,000 in revenue during
the period.
Sales of the capsules should hit $1 million during the
current quarter, Zisson estimates.
Martek has agreements to supply Neuromins to four
brand-name vitamin and nutritional supplement companies,
including Nature's Way and Solgar.
"Sales of Neuromins appear to be really brisk. We're really
happy with how well they've been received," said
Stephanie Diaz, director of finance at Martek.
While sales data are still preliminary, Kyle said it appears
that the product for pregnant and lactating women is
enjoying the strongest sales.
For Kyle that is heartening indeed. "I think we could be
looking at a whole new paradigm of nutrition for the
central nervous system," he said.
"Just like people are told to drink milk to build strong
bones, we might one day tell people to make sure they
include DHA in the diet to build strong brains."
Printed with permission by the Baltimore Sun
Originally Published on 5/26/97
