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Study Demonstrates Martek's Algal DHA Oil Improves Blood Triglyceride Lipid Levels

Posted on: Tuesday, 4 September 2007, 15:09 CDT

COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Martek's life'sDHA(TM) from microalgae is effective in reducing the level of triglycerides in male hypertriglyceridemic patients, according to a study published in the current issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In this study DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) alone was effective, without EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the other omega 3 commonly found in fish oil, in reducing triglycerides. Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels) in men is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

The study, a randomized, parallel, double blind, placebo-controlled study that included 34 subjects, showed that supplementation with 3 grams DHA per day for 45 days resulted in a 24% decrease in fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels. This effect continued throughout the 90-day study period. Although LDL cholesterol increased by 13 percent, significant improvement was seen in the distribution of lipoprotein particle size. Researchers concluded that "DHA supplementation may improve cardiovascular health by lowering concentrations of triacylglycerols and small, dense LDL particles." The investigators used an EPA-free algal oil source of DHA, supplied by Martek. The study, authored by Dr. D. Kelly and associates, was conducted through the University of California Davis, Veterans Affairs of Northern California Health Care System and the US Department of Agriculture. Martek also contributed a portion of the funding for the study.

"The body of research supporting the health benefits of DHA for brain, eye and heart health throughout the lifecycle continues to grow," said Steve Dubin, CEO of Martek Biosciences.

Martek's life'sDHA(TM) is a vegetarian form of DHA omega-3, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eye 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 the diet. Scientific reviews have noted the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye development and function, and there are clinical studies underway to evaluate 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 development and function.

Martek Biosciences Corporation 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.

Contact: Philip Fass Public Relations (443) 542-2570 pfass@martek.com Kyle Stults Investor Relations (410) 740-0081 investors@martek.com

Martek

CONTACT: Philip Fass, Public Relations, +1-443-542-2570,pfass@martek.com, or Kyle Stults, Investor Relations, +1-410-740-0081,investors@martek.com, both of Martek

Web site: http://www.martek.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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