Albion was founded by Dr. Harvey H. Ashmead in 1956. As a pharmacist, Dr. Ashmead brought an overriding philosophy to his fledgling company that exists at Albion to this day: To help improve the circumstances of his fellow man. During his extensive travels, Dr. Ashmead came to believe that improvements in the nutritional status of people worldwide was sorely needed. To this end he devoted his life to researching nutritional issues and advancing the nutritional status of less fortunate people through improving the bioavailability of minerals. He researched methods to improve crop production through mineral fertilization techniques. He recognized the importance of minerals in animal nutrition and devoted additional research efforts to improved animal performance. It was a natural step to put this knowledge of the benefits of mineral absorption to use for humans as well.

Working side by side with his father Harvey since 1960, DeWayne has the same passion for understanding and innovating mineral nutrition. Together they conducted research for the treatment of urinary calculi in animals and received their first patent in May of 1965. Today this torch is still carried on by Harvey’s son Dr. H. DeWayne Ashmead who is the current president of Albion Laboratories and sits as chairman of the board.

Through continued study the Ashmeads noted that minerals were not well absorbed in animals. They commenced research to discover why. They learned that animals must first chelate the mineral in the body before it can be absorbed. They decided to try pre-chelating minerals before feeding them to animals. Ultimately, chelated mineral products for animal nutrition were developed based on the Ashmeads’ absorption and bioavailability research. Albion chelated minerals were originally called Metalosates and were included in nutritional products for improved animal health and performance.

The success of ongoing research into the safety and efficacy of minerals chelated to amino acids convinced the Ashmeads that Albion was ready to move into human nutrition. After studying the results in thousands of animals, research with human subjects began in 1968. In 1970 Albion introduced a line of patented amino acid chelates designed to support human nutrition. Many companies around the world quickly accepted Albion’s research and incorporated Albion’s amino acid chelates in their own brands of products.

“Over the past 50 years Albion has pioneered research with unique and natural mineral delivery systems that have resulted in changing the world’s way of dealing with plant, animal and human mineral nutrition. This has led to healthier lifestyles in humankind and more food through greater production in plants and animals.” ~ H. DeWayne Ashmead 2006

Today Albion is a science and research based company and continues to build on the vision of innovative mineral products through sound research. Through ongoing research and product development, Albion stays at the forefront of new understanding of the role minerals play in day-to-day health. Through the development of innovative nutritional products to increase animal and crop production as well as food fortification and nutritional supplementation for humans, the vision stays alive.

Research & Development

Extensive field, lab, and clinical research by independent sources have confirmed the effectiveness of Albion chelates in increasing mineral absorption and utilization by plants, animals, and people. In addition, Albion has set the industry standard for the quality and identification of mineral amino acid chelates through certification and registration of its products and technology. Our extensive patent portfolio is further evidence of the innovative spirit that thrives in the development and support of our products.

Publications

Published data in peer-reviewed journals concerning Albion products is widely available. Albion's President H. DeWayne Ashmead has authored several books on mineral nutrition. Presentation of data on Albion minerals as well as Albion's methods at prominent scientific gatherings is frequent and ongoing.

Quality

Albion holds itself to the highest industry standards for product quality and manufacturing processes. Our manufacturing facilities for human nutritional products are certified GMP compliant with NSF International Strategic Registrations, Ltd. Our manufacturing facilities for human and animal products have achieved ISO Certification 9001:2000 for Quality Management Systems. Albion's line of organic plant products is certified organic under the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

• Registered to ISO 9001:2000 for Quality Management Systems through NSF.
• Certified for Good Manufacturing Practices through NSF.
• Certified under the AFIA Safe Feed/Safe Food Certifiction Program.
• Certified Organic through the Washington State Department of Agriculture, certifying agent for the USDA
• Certified Kosher through KofK (Human Nutrition Products)