Algatech Triples FucoVital Production Capacity

Fucovital^TM is the first liver health support extract derived from microalgae

Kibbutz Ketura, Israel—Algatechnologies, Ltd. (“Algatech”) announces it has tripled its production capacity for FucoVital^TM. The action follows increased demand from the dietary supplements market. FucoVital was launched in the U.S. in 2018.

Algatech’s Fucovital proprietary fucoxanthin oleoresin is the world’s first microalgae derived extract standardized to 3% fucoxanthin, plus naturally occurring omega-3’s (EPA) and other beneficial fatty acids. Fucoxanthin is an orange-brown carotenoid that plays a part in photosynthesis. Studies have demonstrated that Algatech’s unique fucoxanthin complex has greater potency in support of liver health than fucoxanthin from seaweed.

FucoVital is the only fucoxanthin extract with a New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) for dietary supplements. Its innovative composition is derived from a unique strain of Phaeodactylum tricornutum microalgae. This type of microalgae is a naturally rich source of fucoxanthin and compounds such as omega-3’s (EPA) and other beneficial fatty acids.

“Tripling our Fucovital production, is a significant step forward in meeting the growing demand for this powerful natural ingredient and realizing Algatech’s vision to fully utilize the most primal plant in nature, microalgae, toward improving the health and well-being of people around the world. This wonder ingredient can help support two of the most important health concerns in the world, liver health and metabolic function” says Hagai Stadler, CEO of Algatech.

Liver health is one of the most serious modern health issues today[1]. Much of the concern focuses on the unwanted build-up of fat deposits in the liver from sources other than alcohol abuse, a condition is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). It is commonly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people around the world have some sort of NAFL, while in the U.S. up to 100 million people may have fatty livers[2].

A recent study on FucoVital using an in vitro model of non-alcoholic fatty liver was conducted by Joseph Tam, Ph.D., head of the Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory and director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research, Faculty of Medicine, at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Results showed Algatech’s FucoVital to be much more potent than Silymarin, a milk thistle extract.

“As part of our efforts to increase the value to our customers, Algatech is launching a clinical study in the U.S. with FucoVital and will continue to expand the science beyond this promising ingredient furthermore” adds Doron Delouya, the company’s VP of business development.

Fucoxanthin extracted from seaweed has been sold in the U.S. and Asia as a dietary supplement for many years. But seaweed as source contains a very small amount (about 0.01%) of fucoxanthin and its cultivation is often conducted in a non-controlled environment, allowing exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants. The seaweed-derived process is not considered sustainable or efficient, which also increases costs significantly. As the world’s first microalgae-derived fucoxanthin extract, Algatech’s Fucovital fucoxanthin oleoresin overcomes all of these shortcomings.

To guarantee a high purity level as well as high yield in the cultivation process, Algatech applied a modified version of its proprietary, state-of-the-art, photobioreactor technology. Cultivated in a closed and controlled environment under the abundant sunshine of Israel’s Arava desert, FucoVital can be grown year-round and is not dependent on seasonal fluctuations. Algatech’s production facility relies on power generated by the adjacent solar panel farm and uses a strict water recapture and recycling platform. 

Geoffroy Madelin, Deputy CEO of Solabia Group; Pierre Decastelnau, Director of Human Resources of Solabia Group; Shay Elfassi, Head of Production for Algatech, At Algatech planet, Kibbuta Ketura, Israel (photo credit: Algatech)

About Algatechnologies

Part of Solabia Group, Algatech is a world leader in the research, cultivation and commercialization of microalgae, one of the earliest life forms and a proven source of crucial nutrients. Based at Kibbutz Ketura in southern Israel, the company’s mission is to unlock the immense health benefits of these vital plants through meticulous R&D and cutting-edge technology. Algatech has complete oversight and control of its supply chains, from research, science, IP and cultivation to product development, testing, and marketing. It can deliver tailored, end-to-end solutions to meet its customers’ needs. The company currently exports its products to leading brands of the nutrition, cosmetics, food, and beverage industries in nearly 40 countries.

[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-017-06926-1

[2] Z. Younossi et al., “Global burden of NAFLD and NASH: Trends predictions, risk factors and prevention,” Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol.,vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 11–20, 2018.