Belgian nutrition company specializing in alternative protein ingredients, animal feed additives, and natural antimicrobial solutions for the agri-food sector.
Nutrition Sciences (trading as Vitamex) is a Belgian private company specializing in animal and human nutrition products, with deep expertise in feed additives, functional ingredients, and bioactive compounds. They contribute applied formulation and product development capabilities to EU research consortia — translating lab-stage proteins, microalgae, insect-derived ingredients, and nanostructured carriers into viable feed and food products. Their work spans the full chain from alternative protein sourcing (legumes, algae, insects) through controlled-release delivery systems to antibiotic-resistance reduction strategies in livestock farming.
Core contributor across ProFuture (microalgae protein), SUSINCHAIN (insect protein), ALEHOOP (macroalgae/legume proteins), Prolific (legume/fungi proteins), and WASEABI (seafood side-stream proteins).
Consistent thread from NanoFEED (nanostructured cattle feed carriers) through DISARM (antibiotic resistance in farming), NeoGiANT (grape-based antimicrobials for feed), and ProFuture (feed applications).
Participated in BIOCONCO2 (CO2-to-chemicals via fermentation), VIVALDI (CO2 to organic acids), and InDIRECT (organic side-stream biorefinery).
NanoFEED focused specifically on nanoparticle/microparticle carriers with biopolymer shells for sustained nutrient release in cattle feed.
Active in SCALIBUR (bio-urban waste recovery), WaysTUP! (urban biowaste transformation), and SUSINCHAIN (insect bio-conversion from waste streams).
NeoGiANT (grape extract antimicrobials for animal treatment) and DISARM (antibiotic resistance management) signal a growing focus on reducing antibiotic use in livestock.
In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), Nutrition Sciences focused on industrial biotechnology and fermentation — converting CO2 into platform chemicals like lactic acid and 3-hydroxypropionic acid, alongside foundational work in nanostructured feed carriers. From 2019 onward, their portfolio shifted decisively toward alternative proteins (insects, algae, legumes, seafood side-streams) and circular bioeconomy applications, with a growing emphasis on natural antimicrobials as antibiotic replacements. This evolution mirrors the broader European policy push toward sustainable protein sources and antibiotic reduction in agriculture.
Nutrition Sciences is moving toward antibiotic-free livestock solutions and sustainable protein ingredients — a strong fit for consortia targeting the EU Farm to Fork strategy.
Nutrition Sciences operates exclusively as a participant, never as coordinator, across all 14 projects — they are an industry partner that brings applied product development capabilities rather than research leadership. With 262 unique consortium partners across 31 countries, they plug into large, diverse consortia (typical of BBI and IA-type projects) and appear comfortable working across many different research networks rather than staying within a tight circle. This makes them an accessible and experienced industrial partner for new consortia needing a nutrition/feed industry endpoint.
Exceptionally well-connected for a mid-sized company: 262 unique partners across 31 countries, built through 14 projects spanning 6 years. Their network is pan-European with no strong geographic bias, giving them broad reach for consortium-building.
Nutrition Sciences occupies a rare position as a private-sector nutrition company that bridges the gap between laboratory research and commercial feed/food products. While many consortium partners are universities or research institutes, Nutrition Sciences brings real market access and product formulation experience — they can validate whether a new protein source or bioactive compound actually works in a commercial feed or food product. Their breadth across proteins, delivery systems, and antimicrobials makes them a versatile industry partner for any agri-food innovation project.
