Headquarters Maryland, United States Subsidiaries Amerifit Brands | Founded 1985 Parent organization DSM | |
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Martek Biosciences Corporation, a component of Royal DSM NV, produces nutritional supplements from cultivated fungi and microalgae. The company's products include the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid. DHA is used in foods, beverages, infant formula, and supplements. The ARA is used in infant formulas. It is based in Columbia, Maryland, U.S.
Martek Biosciences also produced and sold fluorescent algal proteins for use in life science research applications (microscopy, TR-FRET assays and flow cytometry). This business unit was spun off to form Columbia Biosciences in July 2007.
In early 2010, Martek announced that it is purchasing Amerifit Brands, a consumer health and wellness product company. In the spring of 2010, Martek joined with the National Center for Creative Aging, a DC-based non-profit organization, to develop a campaign called "Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential." The campaign is designed to inspire baby boomers to be more proactive about their brain health.
DSM announced its acquisition of Martek for US$1.1 billion in December 2010.