Researchers at Nofima are developing dietary supplements for male fertility based on protein extracted from salmon heads, as part of efforts to increase the value of fish residuals.
The work builds on several years of research into the health effects of protein powders derived from salmon by-products. Earlier studies have indicated potential benefits for skin, hair and mental health, and researchers are now investigating whether the same materials may improve sperm quality.
The protein powder is produced using biotechnology processes at Nofima’s Biotep pilot facility, where salmon heads are refined into a product containing more than 95% pure protein along with minerals including sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. The material is processed to enhance bioavailability and make it suitable for use in dietary supplements.
The research forms part of a broader push to utilise a greater share of raw materials from fish processing. Residual outputs from the production process are being directed into additional applications, including feed ingredients, microalgae cultivation and testing of fish bone derivatives for use in products such as sunscreen.
The fertility-focused research has progressed from cell studies to animal testing, and the protein powder is now set to be evaluated in human trials at Lund University in Sweden.
The work is being carried out under the BLUEWAYSE project, coordinated by Nofima and funded through the EU-backed Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, according to the research institute.