Grameen Euglena hosts key discussion on enhancing public health

A landmark roundtable discussion on "Euglena Nutrition Value and Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Awareness" occurred at Dhaka's Yunus Centre.

Euglena GG Ltd. (Grameen Euglena), a joint venture between Euglena Co., Ltd., Japan, and the Grameen Krishi Foundation, Bangladesh, organised the event. It brought together experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore Euglena's nutritional benefits and address the growing concerns surrounding the health hazards of used cooking oil.

The discussion saw the participation of several distinguished individuals, including Ms Nazneen Sultana, Vice Chairman of Grameen Group; Ms Ayaka Nakashima, Head of Life Science Research Institute, Japan, who led the conversation on Euglena's nutritional value; Ms Ikuho Miyazawa, Board Director of Grameen Euglena; Ms Shiori Onishi, Head of the Bangladesh Office of Euglena Co. Ltd; Mr Dipesh Nag, Managing Director of Grameen Danone; Mr Nazmus Shaydut, Head of Operations at Grameen Euglena and Mr Moksemul Fahim, Head of Research and Development at Grameen Euglena. Delegates from NABISCO, New Olympia, Biotech, and Muenzer were also present.

Ms Ayaka Nakashima set the stage with an insightful presentation on the health benefits of Euglena powder. Euglena, a single-celled microalga, is packed with 59 essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and omega fatty acids.
One of the standout health benefits of Euglena is its ability to strengthen the immune system. It contains paramylon, a unique type of β-glucan that activates immune cells and enhances the body's defence mechanisms. Additionally, Euglena supports digestive health, lowers cholesterol, and promotes heart health due to its fibre-rich content. It also aids muscle recovery, boosts energy levels, and improves nutrient absorption, making it an ideal supplement for athletes and individuals with dietary deficiencies. Moreover, its antioxidant properties contribute to anti-ageing benefits by improving skin elasticity and hydration, which is why Euglena-based skincare products are gaining popularity.

One of the most impactful ways Euglena is being used in Bangladesh is through the GENKI Programme, which combats malnutrition among marginalised children. This initiative incorporates Euglena powder into biscuits that are distributed to schoolchildren. Since its launch in 2014, the program has provided free nutritious Euglena biscuits to around 9,000 children across 87 schools. These biscuits, given five days a week, help supply essential nutrients often missing from the diets of underprivileged children. Over 19 million Euglena biscuits have been distributed to improve children's nutritional intake and overall health significantly.

Beyond nutrition, Euglena is also making strides in other industries. It is being explored as a biofuel, particularly in converting used cooking oil (UCO) into sustainable fuel. The roundtable discussion highlighted the dangers of reusing cooking oil, a common practice in many households and restaurants. Experts explained that repeatedly heating oil leads to oxidation, forming harmful trans fats, free radicals, and cancer-causing compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These substances are linked to severe health risks, including heart disease, cancer, digestive issues, and liver damage.
To address these concerns, the event emphasised the potential of repurposing UCO into biofuel, which could have environmental and health benefits. Mr Moksemul Fahim underscored the importance of a feasibility study to assess the viability of converting UCO into biofuel in Bangladesh. Collaborative research between Euglena and Grameen Euglena is scheduled from February to December 2025. This study will focus on establishing a UCO collection network, evaluating the cultivation of oilseeds on under utilised land, and assessing Bangladesh's capacity to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstocks to Japan. If successful, this initiative could provide a sustainable solution for managing used cooking oil while creating economic opportunities in Bangladesh. It would also contribute to Japan's goal of replacing 10% of its aviation fuel with SAF by 2030.

The event concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to continue tackling malnutrition through Euglena-based solutions and to develop sustainable strategies for UCO management. This discussion marked an essential step toward improving Bangladesh's public health and environmental sustainability.