EPA/DHA (Omega 3) Ingredients global market demand is expected to grow over the forecast period due to its increasing applications in lifestyle disease prevention medicines. Omega 3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These acids promote various health benefits such as heart diseases, proper metabolism and reducing inflammation & blood pressure.
Omega 3 ingredients are obtained from marine life as well as plants. Fish types such as Anchovies and Sardines are rich in Omega 3. Cod, tuna, squid, and algae are other sources. Plants segment include Chia seeds, flax seeds, soybean, and canola. Typically, oil is extracted from these sources which can be encapsulated for intake.
Technological capability expansion about food and beverages fortification, research and development advancements, better oil encapsulation and emulsification availability, and growth in fishing rate are further expected to contribute to Omega 3, market growth. Strict norms formulated by regulatory agencies, quality & availability of raw materials, contamination concerns & low awareness is likely to restrain the market.
There has been a recent rise in global cardiovascular disease rate in the recent past due to an unhealthy lifestyle, improper eating habits, growing geriatric population and is expected to carry a similar trend over the forecast period. Omega 3 ingredients are used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Fish oil containing these ingredients can easily be administered through capsules. These factors are further expected to fuel global market demand of Omega 3 ingredients.
Omega 3 ingredient health benefits awareness is growing globally due to various factors such as readily available information, advertisement campaigns, and government initiatives. These ingredients have health benefits such as anticoagulation, weight management & healthy aging. Due to rising disposable income, functional food consumption has seen a global increase in the recent past and is anticipated to carry a similar trend from 2016 to 2024 which is further forecasted to cause an increase in global omega 3 ingredient demand
Infant nutrition, pet foods, and pharmaceuticals are the other Omega 3 applications. World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended DHA based diets for proper growth of infants, as it contributes to their brain growth, & cell division. Baby feed market is growing globally due to its inherent health benefits and is further expected to drive Omega 3 ingredient market sales.
The major market players in the industry segment include Omega Protein, DSM, Pronova, BASF, Axellus, Martek Biosciences, Aker BioMarine, BioProcess, Algae EPAX, Lonza, GC Rieber Oils, and Croda. Companies are constantly evolving products which are rich in content and are free from fish smell & taste. Products have to adhere to various norms and regulations. Industries have prioritized nutrition, health, and wellness in their advertisement campaigns.
DSM is a major industry participant and has food, beverages & dietary supplements portfolio. The company produces Omega 3 dietary supplements which suit both the vegetarian as well as the nonvegetarian populace. Meg 3 fish oil, life’s omega, life’s DHA are the company products. The company has invested considerably in its Omega-3 facilities. Its products undergo strict quality checks during the whole manufacturing process.
North America is expected to lead the global Omega 3 ingredient market demand during the forecast period. The U.S is projected to contribute substantially to market growth due to rising Omega 3 awareness. Government health regulatory agencies in the country have advised the citizens for measured omega 3 intakes. The availability of diverse product range, increasing disposable income, and prevalent lifestyle diseases are expected to cause an increase in market demand.
Developing countries like India, China and Brazil are projected to drive the global omega 3 sales. High birth rate, government initiatives, and rising urban middle class are the contributing factors. The presence of a large number of market players and the diverse products offered is a major factor driving sales.