Algatechnologies, Ketura, Israel, has appointed Professor Yuval Heled as scientific advisor in a move that heralds the beginning of a new multi-year science-based product development strategy.
 
As a renowned international expert in clinical, exercise and environmental physiology, Prof. Heled has more than 20 years’ experience in clinical research with more than 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals. His fields of interest include exercise physiology, thermoregulation, nutrition, fluid & electrolyte balance, sports medicine, genetics & performance, and health education.
 
Prof. Heled is chief scientist at the Heller Institute of Medical Research and holds senior scientific positions at various universities, including Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in the U.S.
 
He commented, “Finding scientific evidence-based functional foods and supplements for health and performance is a challenge and in this process I’m glad to be advising Algatechnologies, which deserves its reputation for innovation in biotechnology. According to current scientific data, AstaPure natural astaxanthin— Algatechnologies’ current main product—certainly has the potential to contribute to human performance optimization. Astaxanthin supplementation seems to have preventive effects against various stressors such as heat and exhaustive physical efforts, which could benefit not only sports enthusiasts but also physical laborers, older people and vacationers.”
 
In recent years Algatechnologies has worked with Prof. Heled and his associates on on-going research into the benefits of astaxanthin in exercise and coping with extreme physical stress. Information about his current government-funded research —“Physiological and Molecular Influences of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Heat Strain in Humans” —can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov.
 
Ronnie Meninger, CEO of Algatechnologies, said: “We are delighted to have someone with the stature of Prof Heled on board to advise Algatechechnolgies’ R&D microalgae experts on designing new clinical research into the benefits of AstaPure natural astaxanthin. He will also work closely with our innovation and new product development teams and strategic customers.”