According to research organization SINTEF, the aquaculture industry has a residual raw material utilization rate of approximately 94 percent. However, there is still one part that remains unused – salmon blood. For over two decades, the industry has been trying to find ways to address this issue.
Mats Trones, who leads Lerøy’s new 100 percent Fish department, expressed pride in the development of a unique product called SalmoFer. This product is derived from salmon blood and is the world’s first iron ingredient from marine raw materials. Trones emphasized that SalmoFer is the only commercially available iron ingredient from marine raw materials.
SalmoFer utilizes the protein haemoglobin in salmon blood, which is rich in heme iron. Trones highlighted the efficiency of heme iron absorption by the body compared to non-heme iron. This efficient absorption reduces the likelihood of side effects like upset stomach, constipation, and stomach pain commonly associated with iron supplements. Additionally, heme iron absorption is not affected by consumption of coffee, tea, wine or dairy products.
Trones emphasized Lerøy’s commitment to innovation and sustainability through the development, commercialization and sale of products made from their own raw materials to new market segments. He mentioned ongoing projects within the department such as collaborations with research and development communities biotech ventures and startups to bring more innovative products to market while maximizing the value of their raw materials. Trones hinted at several exciting projects being worked on both internally at Lerøy and with external partners while maintaining secrecy about specific details.
