Schizochytrium
What is Schizochytrium?
Schizochytrium is a type of single-celled marine microalgae. It is cultivated in controlled environments, often in bioreactors, to produce specific compounds. The algae are then processed to extract valuable components like omega-3 fatty acids.
Is Schizochytrium vegan?
Schizochytrium is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Schizochytrium gluten-free?
Schizochytrium is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.
What is Schizochytrium used for?
Schizochytrium is primarily used as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid.
Is Schizochytrium safe?
Schizochytrium is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient, particularly as a source of DHA.
Why it's used
Schizochytrium is primarily used as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid. It is added to foods, especially infant formulas and nutritional supplements, to boost DHA content. DHA is important for brain and eye development.
Health notes
Schizochytrium is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient, particularly as a source of DHA. Regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated DHA from algal sources. Typical intakes from fortified foods are not associated with adverse effects. Research suggests DHA contributes to cognitive and visual health, though more studies are ongoing.
Allergen info
Schizochytrium is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Schizochytrium
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