Salmon heads: the key to fixing male fertility?

Senior Scientist Tone Aspevik at Nofima has spent several years studying the potential of salmon heads as a source of nutrients.

She said: “Across several research projects, we have found positive health effects from protein powder made from salmon heads. The powder has proven beneficial for skin, hair and mental health.”

Now, the research team has reason to believe that salmon head proteins may also improve sperm quality, and thereby increase male fertility.

Using advanced biotechnology, the researchers extract a protein powder with the right texture and flavour.

“At Nofima’s pilot plant, Biotep, we use state-of-the-art equipment to refine the salmon heads into an extremely pure protein powder,” Aspevik said.

The resulting powder consists of more than 95% pure fish protein and minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.

One reason Nofima’s scientists refine the salmon heads into protein powder is that it makes consumption easier. The material is broken down in a way that releases its bioactive properties. This approach also means that nothing goes to waste. The residual raw materials remaining after the protein powder is extracted are used for new products.

“We send fish bones to Italy to test their potential use as an ingredient in sunscreen. The extracted oil can be used in feed ingredients, while the process water is used to cultivate microalgae,” says Aspevik.

In this way, scientists have managed to utilise every part of the fish, creating added value and new high-quality products.