The health benefits of consuming Omega-3 fatty acids were recognised from the podium more than once at Alltech’s 30th annual symposium in Lexington, Kentucky, this week. More specifically, DHA Omega-3 was the one celebrated; DHA is the same Omega-3 that is found in grass-fed beef.

Eating fish is one way of getting good fatty-acid DHA into your diet. The DHA in fish results from fish consuming algae. One of the largest algae production facilities in the world is owned by Alltech and is based in Winchester, Kentucky. Presentations given in Lexington outlined a number of trials that have taken place looking at the inclusion of algae in animal diets to increase the DHA in the animal proteins consumed by humans. One such trial was carried out with laying hens and resulted in an enhancement of yoke colour and eggs enriched with DHA Omega-3.

Much optimism surrounded the production of food with higher levels of DHA Omega-3 developed as a result of giving feed containing algae. However, Professor Patrick Wall of University College Dublin noted that the end product consumed by humans contains the same Omega-3 that is in grass-fed beef.

Philip Wilkinson, executive director of the 2 sisters food group and director of the Red Tractor brand, made the point that we have to convince the retailer that they want to sell products with health benefits. “Retailers are the consumer’s champion.” he said.

“We need to convince them that this is what the consumer wants – healthy food.” Philip emphasised the benefits of healthy food and that the food industry needs to learn how to brand their products correctly.

Speaking with Professor Wall following his presentation, he suggested that there is an opportunity for Ireland to get behind this promotion of DHA Omega-3 produced from algae. When there is a greater awareness of the health benefits, it will in turn promote the same benefits provided by our grass-fed beef.