News Release
HighChem Begins Offering Sustainable, Safe, and Plant-Based DHA
HighChem Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ushio Taka) will begin handling the sustainable, safe, and plant-based health functional food ingredient "microalgae (Schizochytrium※) DHA.
What is microalgae DHA?
DHA is an essential nutrient for brain function, facilitating smooth neural communication and positively affecting memory and learning abilities. It is especially said to play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy and in the development of the eyes and brain in infants and young children. Typically in Japan, DHA is commonly derived from fish; however, the microalgal DHA offered by HighChem is extracted directly from algae, making it a plant-based source of DHA, not derived from fish.
1. It is plant-based and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, so it can be consumed by vegans and does not have the characteristic fish odor.
2. Because it is extracted from microalgae grown in a completely sealed stainless steel tank in a hygienic environment, it does not contain harmful chemicals such as mercury, microplastics, and heavy metals.
3. Prevents overfishing and contributes to the protection of biodiversity. Since the algae are cultivated, the supply is extremely stable.
4. DHA oil can have high content of over 400mg/g, over 500mg/g, over 600mg/g.
*Schizochytrium (Schizochytrium sp.) belongs to the Labyrinthula family, Thraustochytridae, and is found in wide ocean areas around the world, from mangrove areas in tropical and subtropical regions to coastal and brackish waters in mid-latitude regions, as well as polar regions and deep seas (-4000m). It is a unicellular marine microalgae that is distributed in the world. It has long been known and studied that algae classified as Labyrinthula have the ability to produce and accumulate highly concentrated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Now, oil containing plant-derived DHA extracted from Schizochytrium sp. has been certified as safe in the EU, USA, China, Japan, and other countries around the world, and is already being produced on a large scale for use in food products, including those for infants and young children. It is also being used in various feeds.
Product features
The microalgae DHA that HighChem has recently started handling uses a physical extraction method without using any organic solvents in the manufacturing process. Additionally, in the manufacturing process, we have and use carefully screened and cultured bacterial strains (Schizochytrium sp.), which allows us to stably provide high-quality products. We have also obtained the NOVEL FOOD certification in the EU and GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification in the US. Furthermore, in order to meet a wide range of needs, we have obtained Halal and Kosher certifications.
Raw material standards
HighChem is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and since its establishment, the company has been engaged in the import/export and OEM business of Chemicals as a bridge between societies with different cultures and values. In the Life science field, our mission is to provide people with important materials related to their diet and health, and we strive to ensure that our products can be used with confidence by selecting reliable manufacturers and implementing a thorough quality control system.
Media inquiries regarding this release
HighChem Co., Ltd. PR Division – Eriko Kuroiwa
E-mail: kuroiwa@highchem.co.jp Phone: +81-3-5251-8580 / +81-90-6539-4213 (Kuroiwa)