Turning Salmon Blood into Iron: Lerøy’s SalmoFer Revolutionizes Aquaculture Industry

The aquaculture industry, according to research organization SINTEF, has a residual raw material utilization rate of approximately 94 percent. However, there is still one part that remains unutilized – the blood. For over two decades, the industry has been trying 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, derived from salmon blood, is the world’s first iron ingredient from salmon. 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 that are commonly associated with iron supplements. Additionally, heme iron absorption is not affected by the consumption of coffee, tea, wine, or dairy products.

Trones emphasized Lerøy’s commitment to innovation and sustainability through their development and commercialization of products made from their own raw materials to new market segments. He mentioned ongoing projects within the department that include collaborations with research and development communities biotech ventures and start-ups to bring more innovative products to market and maximize 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.