What is Fish Protein Hydrolysate? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Forayya's digest all about protein

What is Fish Protein Hydrolysate? Here's Everything You Need to Know

By Forayya Official
10 min read
May 11, 2023, 06:40 pm

What is fish protein hydrolysate?

Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH) is an extract of essential amino acids obtained through the hydrolysis (breakdown) of fish protein, making it easier for the body to absorb. Protein hydrolysis is the process of breaking down proteins into shorter-chain compounds using enzymes. A perfect hydrolysate is one that produces 18–20 types of amino acids. The advantage of this hydrolysis process using enzymes is that it helps preserve the product by preventing damage to some amino acids and avoiding the presence of toxic compounds.

Image 1: Fish Protein Hydrolysate

So, how does the hydrolysis process increase protein content? The protein content in hydrolysate products undergoes a conversion of insoluble protein into soluble nitrogen compounds, which then break down into simple compounds that are easily absorbed by the body.

Advantages of FPH compared to milk Former Health Minister Nila Moeloek once said, "Meeting children's protein needs is not only through milk." She stated that there are other foods that have a higher nutritional value than milk and are more abundant to meet the needs of all children in Indonesia, namely fish and its processed products. FPH is one of the best-processed fish products, as fish is healthier due to the presence of unsaturated fats rather than saturated fats. Fish protein sources have an advantage over milk because they not only contain protein but also naturally occurring compounds such as PUFA, EPA, and DHA. The biological value of FPH reaches 90% with a binding tissue that makes it easier to digest. Meanwhile, fish production in the country is much higher compared to domestic milk production. This is why the government states that fish can be a more sustainable source of protein than milk.

Image 2: Advantages of FPH compared to Milk

HPI vs. Whey Protein You're probably familiar with whey protein, especially among those who frequent the gym. HPI and whey protein have similarities in that they are both protein powders made from animal protein sources, but the difference lies in their sources and processing methods. Whey protein is originally the liquid separated from milk during the production of cheese or yogurt, which is then separated and purified to make whey protein powder. In addition to whey, there are also other processing methods, such as concentrate and isolate. Here are the differences in processing protein powder:

Image 3 types of protein powder based on processing

The image above explains that the hydrolysate process is the best, where the amino acid chains are broken down into very small sizes using heat, acid, or enzymes to maximize absorption into the body. It has been proven to have the highest absorption rate compared to others, reaching up to 90–94%. Protein concentrate is made by extracting protein from whey liquid using heat and enzymes to remove water, lactose, and minerals. It is still in its intact protein form and has not been broken down; only the extract is taken from the whey. On the other hand, protein isolate is partially broken down and has a 90% absorption rate in the body.

Research Journal on the Use of FPH

Research conducted in an effort to improve public health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkes RI) and Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), involves technology in the research and development of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), where Indonesia will independently produce RUTF domestically for the first time in Indonesia using fish protein as the main high-protein food for malnutrition prevention.

Based on the in vitro and in vivo test results from research conducted by Prof. Dr. Ekowati Chasanah (BBRPPB-KP, 2018) through her research titled "The Use of FPH as the Main Ingredient in Instant Porridge for Complementary Feeding (MPASI) for Gastrointestinal Nutrition Therapy," it is evident that the addition of FPH generally improves digestion in vitro and in vivo. Instant MPASI formula with the addition of 7.6% FPH has been proven to significantly contribute to weight gain, digestion, and protein absorption (Chasanah, 2018). India has also tested the efficacy of fish protein on malnourished children aged 6–8 years, and the results were significant, with improvements in the children's poor nutritional status becoming normal after consuming food from fish protein hydrolysate (Nesse K et al., 2011).

FPH on the global stage

Looking at the current global market trend for fish protein hydrolysate, it is valued at USD 420 million and is projected to reach USD 570 million by 2026, with a CAGR of 4.5% (Global Market Insight, 2020). FPH is not only used for human consumption but also for animal feed, pet food, organic fertilizer for plants, and more. North America has witnessed significant growth in the market for fish protein hydrolysate, which is in demand for both food and feed. This is due to its high protein content, complete amino acid profile, rapid absorption, and practicality. The increasing amount of fish waste from fishermen requires an efficient solution for proper utilization. In fact, in the state of Alaska, fish waste is declared waste because there is no utilization for it, especially since many fish species have high concentrations of heavy metals. This is why FPH is becoming more popular worldwide.

Image 4: Global Market Projection for Fish Protein Hydrolysate

HPI: Addressing Malnutrition Issues in Indonesia

Indonesia is still one of the developing countries facing a significant problem with malnutrition. Protein deficiency is one of the main nutritional problems commonly found in children. The Ministry of Health states that nearly 9 million children experience suboptimal growth, meaning 1 in 3 children suffer from stunting. Protein is essential as a body-building substance, especially during the critical period of the first 1000 days of life, which is crucial for growth and development. This poses a major challenge in Indonesia as it threatens the availability of quality human resources. Moreover, stunting can negatively affect the intelligence and overall health of the nation's children for the next 20–30 years.

Fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) is the solution to address these nutritional issues and can be used for food fortification or food supplementation, which is a proven cost-effective intervention to fulfill the macro- and micro-nutrient needs of the community. FPH can be added to various nutritious and high-quality food products such as biscuits, condiments, noodles, cereals, and more. With its powdered form, FPH is easier and more convenient to incorporate into food. Abundant raw materials from fish, easy availability, high protein content, a high amino acid profile, and up to 90% absorption rate in the body make FPH unquestionably advantageous in addressing nutritional problems in Indonesia.

Only one local industry is capable of producing FPH.

Based on the potential and challenges mentioned above, it is imperative for Indonesia, with its annual potential of 12.54 million tons of fish catch, to become a producer and major player in the marine biotechnology product, fish protein hydrolysate. PT. Berikan Teknologi Indonesia is present to respond to this challenge by innovating technology that processes low-value fish caught by fishermen into fish protein hydrolysate (FPH), consisting of essential and non-essential amino acids. PT. Berikan Teknologi Indonesia is a pioneering industry in Indonesia, producing FPH with a capacity of 20 tons, which can be used as raw material for food, beverages, nutraceuticals (functional food), active pharmaceutical ingredients, personal care, and animal feed additives. Utilizing the Bos javanicus machine, a creation of Indonesian inventors, low-value fish can be processed into high-quality FPH with essential amino acids that are free from heavy metals and microplastics and non-allergenic. In partnership with the Mina Bahari Indramayu Cooperative Producer, PT. Berikan Teknologi established an FPH factory located in Eretan Kulon, Indramayu Regency. Through this factory, fishermen can now sell low-value fish at a significantly higher price, around 3,000–4,000 Indonesian rupiahs per kilogram, compared to the previous price of 1,500–2,000 rupiahs per kilogram.

Image 5: Berikan Teknologi Indonesia Team

Forayya is introducing FPH to the general public by creating the first amino acid-based food product in Indonesia. Enhance cognitive function and family immunity with the intake of essential amino acids with optimal absorption. Furthermore, Forayya is committed to providing alternative food products that support family nutrition and are natural and free from artificial ingredients, supplied by PT. Berikan Teknologi Indonesia.