Global Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) Ingredients Market Overview

The Global Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) Ingredients market was valued at USD 1.65 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2.23 billion by the year 2032, at a CAGR of 3.4%.

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) ingredients are essential fatty acids that play a critical role in promoting heart health, cognitive function, and reducing inflammation. These ingredients are primarily sourced from marine-based products such as fish oil, krill oil, and algae, with fish oil being the most dominant source. As awareness of the health benefits of omega-3 increases, there has been a growing demand for EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) in dietary supplements, functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and infant formulas. These ingredients are recognized for their efficacy in preventing cardiovascular diseases, supporting brain development in infants, and offering anti-inflammatory properties.

The market for omega-3 EPA/DHA ingredients has seen significant expansion due to the rise in nutraceuticals and functional food consumption. Additionally, the use of sustainable alternatives such as algal oil has gained traction due to concerns over overfishing and environmental sustainability. Leading companies such as DSM, BASF, and Cargill are investing in innovative extraction and production methods to cater to the rising demand for plant-based and pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 products. However, challenges like contamination in fish oil and the cost of production remain as obstacles that need to be addressed for continued growth.

Market Dynamics and Factor for the Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) Ingredients Market:

Drivers:

The market knowledge is being dominantly driven by the growing demand for infant formula products in emerging regions. China is the world's largest consumer of infant formula products, owing to the high birth rate in the country. DHA and EPA are important for infant brain development and immunity strength. DHA has well-established legal strains for inclusion into infant formula products in various regulations and WHO recommendations. Infant formula gains the key market share for algae omega-3 consumer products in China.

Based on a Norwegian study, omega-3 demonstrates a positive effect on a child's brain and improves a child's problem-solving abilities. According to recent research studies, high doses of DHA in baby formula or breast milk can have a worthwhile effect on the growth of preterm infants, such as growth in height. In some economies, such as China, where both the adult population and infant population are on the rise, the demand for infant nutrition and baby food is constantly increasing. The demand for infant nutrition fortified with omega-3 is rising from the parents who have busy lifestyles and less time to prepare meals.

Restraints:

Omega-3 levels can be raised through diet, but the easiest way to ensure constant and adequate intake is through daily dietary supplementation. Even though health-conscious consumers and heart condition patients understand the comfort of upping their omega-3 intake, a recent study by Euromonitor examined economies such as the US, United Kingdom (UK) and China, and found that most individuals were not getting enough of the daily recommended amount of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Opportunities:

As dietary supplement forms an active part of the daily diet in modernizing lifestyle, it is anticipated that there will be greater demand for the Omega 3 ingredients across the world. Key developers and manufacturers are showing keen interest in Omega 3 ingredients, as the global dietary supplements market is demanding, hence it can be expected that there would be greater market opportunities and higher returns for the investors in the EPA/DHA (Omega 3) Ingredients Market. Omega 3 ingredients have been supporting both physical and mental health, so it is used as both dietary supplement and preventive medicine which supply lucrative opportunities for the producers over the globe.

Market Segmentation

Segmentation Analysis of Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) Ingredients Market:

Based on the Type, the market is classified into eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The combination of DHA and EPA helps in decreasing bad cholesterol and coronary heart diseases, such as strokes and blood pressure, which is expected to accelerate the growth of these segments.
Based on the Application, dietary supplements dominated the industry during the forecast period owing to the different health benefits of omega 3, growing R&D initiatives, and rising healthcare costs. Increasing the utilization of dietary supplements to maintain fitness and nutrient adequacy among adults is projected to increase the consumption of omega 3 in dietary supplement products. Dietary supplements are primarily consumed to ensure the intake of nutritional constituents important for the human body. Growing experiences of cardiovascular diseases due to the inactive and slow lifestyle, primarily among the age group of 30 to 40 years, and changing dietary patterns are the factors projected to hasten the importance of omega 3-based nutraceutical products in the market during the forecast period.
Based on the Source, fish oil and krill oil of marine source of omega 3 fatty acids accounted maximum share and is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Demand for marine-based products is driven by rising consumer interest in omega 3 fatty acids obtained from fish and krill oils. Growing consumption of omega 3 in the form of fortified food products, such as fish ham and fish sausages, is expected to drive the segment in the upcoming years. Furthermore, rising awareness about the consumption of high triglyceride levels is anticipated to stimulate the demand for omega 3-fortified foods.

Regional Analysis of Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) Ingredients Market:

Omega 3 ingredients are mainly obtained and processed in North America, owing to increasing dietary supplement brands and massive herbal and chemical processing companies. In the US, consumers show an extensive interest in Omega 3 ingredients owing to inflating neurological disorders.
In Europe, Omega 3 ingredients have diverse supply chains and wider applications owing to rising concern for cognitive health and cancer prevention.  Growing product utilization, primarily in the form of dietary supplements, on account of the rising aging population in emerged economies, such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the U.K., is probably to turn the market.
In the Asia Pacific region, Omega 3 ingredients are used as herbal recoveries owing to traditional medical practices and as an oil, it is used in regions of Australia, China, etc. Growing intake of fish oil in the daily diet, as well as rising health consciousness, are increasing the demand for omega 3 in this region. Furthermore, the increasing cultivation of krill fish in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean is anticipated to accelerate the regional market growth during the forecast period.
In the Middle East & Africa, Omega 3 ingredients are imported for emerging mental health with lesser utilizations. Owing to growing demands and distributions, the growth of the global Omega 3 ingredients market is anticipated to remain positive in the projected period. In Latin America, EPA/DHA (Omega 3) Ingredients are mostly consumed as preventive medicine for cardiovascular diseases owing to raised health consciousness.

Players Covered in Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) Ingredients Market are:

• BASF SE (Germany)
• DSM (Netherlands)
• Aker BioMarine ASA (Norway)
• Croda International PLC (UK)
• Stepan Company (US)
• Pharma Marine (Norway)
• GC Riber Group (Norway)
• Clover Corporation (Australia)
• Omega Protein Corporation (US)
• Cellana (US)
• United Laboratories (India)
• Abee (India)
• Ocean Nutrition Canada Limited (Canada)
• Arista Industries (US) and other major players.

Key Industry Development for the Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) Ingredients Market:

• In September 2024, the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) highlighted modest growth in the omega-3 ingredient market, with global volume reaching 124,480 metric tons in 2023, a 1.4% rise from 2022. Despite supply shortages and price increases, demand for dietary supplements remained stable, while pet nutrition, especially in China and the U.S., experienced significant expansion. High-value sectors like pharmaceuticals and infant formula also contributed to the market's overall progress.