Nature’s Hidden Treasure for Healthy Ageing
Marine ingredients have long been recognized for their exceptional nutritional value. While fish oil and collagen are well known, herring milt remains one of the marine world’s best-kept secrets.
Naturally rich in DNA, nucleotides, bioactive peptides, phospholipids and polyamines, herring milt is attracting growing interest for its potential to support cellular vitality, healthy ageing, immune function and performance nutrition.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is herring milt?
Herring milt is the reproductive tissue of male Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus).
Traditionally underutilized by the seafood industry, it is now recognized as a naturally concentrated source of valuable marine bioactive compounds.
Rather than being discarded, this marine co-product can be responsibly upcycled into nutritionalingredients, contributing to a more sustainable blue economy.
Where does it come from?
Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is a pelagic fish species widely distributed across the North Atlantic, where it forms vast schools.
merLIX™ is produced from herring milt obtained from Atlantic herring harvested in the Canadian North Atlantic. Through responsible valorization, this underutilized marine co-product is transformed into a premium marine bioactive ingredient, supporting a more efficient use of marine resources.
What makes herring milt unique?
Unlike conventional marine proteins, herring milt naturally contains several complementary bioactive compounds in a single matrix:
• DNA and nucleotides
• Arginine-rich bioactive peptides
• Omega-3 phospholipids
• Polyamines
• Functional marine lipids
This unique composition offers a multitude of health benefits.
Why are nucleotides important?
Nucleotides are the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA.
They are involved in numerous biological processes, including:
• Cell renewal
• Tissue growth
• Cellular communication
• Energy metabolism
• Immune function
Although the body can synthesize nucleotides, dietary sources may become increasingly important during periods of growth, ageing or high physiological demand, such as immune responses.
Why are marine peptides interesting?
Marine peptides are naturally occurring protein fragments that have attracted considerable scientific interest.
They are recognised for their benefits for skin health, joint health, muscle recovery, as well as their anti-ageing potential thanks to their antioxidant properties.
merLIX™ is particularly rich in arginine. Arginine is an amino acid involved in several important physiological processes, including nitric oxide production, which plays a key role in vascular endothelial function, as well as immune function.
A sustainable marine ingredient
Using herring milt is an excellent example of resource valorization.
Instead of being discarded, this nutrient-rich marine co-product is transformed into a high-value ingredient, reducing waste while maximizing the value of sustainably harvested marine resources.
Meet merLIX™
merLIX™ is InnoVactiv’s marine bioactive complex obtained through an exclusive hydrolysis process designed to preserve the natural richness of herring milt.
It naturally delivers:
• DNA & nucleotides
• Marine bioactive peptides
• Omega-3 phospholipids
• Polyamines
• Additive-free
• Non-GMO
• Made in Canada
Designed for applications in:
• Healthy ageing
• Cellular vitality
• Sports nutrition
• Immune support
• Infant nutrition
• Pet nutrition
The Bottom Line
Herring milt is far more than an underutilized marine resource.
Its naturally complex composition makes it a unique source of bioactive compounds capable of supporting nutritional solutions focused on vitality, resilience and healthy ageing.
As consumer demand shifts toward multifunctional and sustainably sourced ingredients, herring milt is emerging as one of the marine industry’s most promising innovations.