Multi-billion dollar omega 3 fatty acid may be produced from local seaweed - 2

However, to become successful in its food supplement development, research institutions need budgetary support. For this project, budgetary need is estimated at P3 to P5 million particularly for the laboratory part.

Nutraceutical projects like this needs devices like a high performance liquid chromatograph which separates, identifies and quantify compounds, gas chromatograph which identifies compounds in their gas state, and a flash chromatograph.

MSI is planning to conduct a fucoxanthin fish-feeding test over at least a one-fourth hectares fish pond. Test has to be conducted on different types of fish to determine effectivity on a certain specie. For a future commercial operation, an extraction plant that has a 10-kilo extractions capacity is needed to be put up initially prior to large scale commercial production.

Omega 3 fatty acid is known to reduce coronary heart disease risks and to enhance brain productivity. It is known to contribute in fish oil’s ability to stimulate blood circulation as it helps breakdown clot formation from a compound called fibrin, reduce blood pressure arising from cutting of blood triglyceride levels, and thus reduce heart attack risks. Fish oil is also known to fight cancer specially for breast, colon, and prostate.

The Japanese have also used fucoxanthin in experiments as a slimming agent. The MSI project can be completed over an estimated three to five years given enough funding and staff support. Research and Development experts here will need doctorate graduates on Chemistry of Biochemistry.