Martek Bioscience Corporation is committed to the development of life-science-based products that promote health and well-being throughout life. Martek’s products were developed from research and technology that evolved following research into the beneficial use of algae in long-term space flight. The scientists involved in this early research came to believe that algae represented a virtually untapped resource that could be screened for a variety of applications to greatly benefit human health. Fueled by these discoveries, these visionary scientists formed Martek Biosciences Corporation in Columbia, MD in 1985.
Martek makes a product, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a long chain omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. Martek’s life’sDHA™ is a unique, patented and sustainable source of DHA that is the only vegetarian source of DHA available today. Produced from the planet’s primary source of DHA, microalgae, Martek’s life’sDHA™, avoids problems associated with other sources of DHA, such as environmental contaminants, allergen issues, and taste/sensory challenges. Martek also developed a patented process for developing arachidonic acid, ARA, another fatty acid important to infant health.
Committed to the production of high quality nutritional products, Martek sought certification from the Orthodox Union shortly after the commercialization of its life’sDHA™ and life’sARA™ products in the early 1990’s. The OU was the logical choice for Martek’s kosher certification, because it is the most widely respected and trusted kosher certification trademark. For Martek, receiving the OU certification was a true certification of the quality of production and the products themselves.
Today, the demand for Martek’s quality nutritional ingredients continues to grow. Martek’s flagship product, life’sDHA™, along with life’sARA™, both produced at state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Kingstree, SC and Winchester, KY, is found in over 90 percent of U.S. infant formulas. Both fatty acids are also added to infant formulas sold in over 70 countries and, subsequently, have been consumed by more than 30 million babies worldwide. In addition, a range of supplements and functional foods containing life’sDHA™ for older children and adults continues to come to the market both in the United States and abroad. With OU certification of the product, Martek has been able to provide these important nutrients to people throughout the world.