The aquaculture industry, according to research organisation SINTEF, has a residual raw material utilisation rate of approximately 94 percent. While this is an impressive achievement, there is still one part that remains unused: salmon blood.
Mats Trones, who leads Lerøy’s new 100 percent Fish department, is proud to announce the development of a unique product called SalmoFer. This product, derived from salmon blood, is the world’s first iron ingredient from marine raw materials. Trones emphasizes that SalmoFer is the only commercially available iron ingredient from marine sources.
SalmoFer uses the protein haemoglobin in salmon blood, which is rich in heme iron. Heme iron absorption by the body is highly efficient and reduces the likelihood of side effects like upset stomach, constipation and stomach pain that are commonly associated with iron supplements. Furthermore, heme iron absorption is not affected by consumption of coffee, tea, wine or dairy products.
Trones highlights Lerøy’s commitment to innovation and sustainability through its development and commercialization of products made from its own raw materials to new market segments. He mentions ongoing projects within the department such as collaborations with research and development communities, biotech ventures and start-ups aimed at bringing more innovative products to market and maximizing the value of their raw materials. Trones hints at several exciting projects being worked on internally at Lerøy and with external partners while keeping secrecy about specific details.