Letter from the Editor: Omega-3 trends, growth and research

In NutraInrgedients’ latest special edition, we explore how this dynamic market is adapting to shifting consumer demands, supply challenges and the latest scientific discoveries.

Market trends in omega-3 ​

The omega-3 market is experiencing modest growth driven by rising consumer demand across dietary supplements and beauty products, despite supply challenges and regional intake disparities, creating new opportunities for brands to leverage omega-3's health benefits in diverse sectors. 

GOED reports modest growth in omega-3 market despite supply challenges​​

The 2024 Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) report showed growth in the omega-3 ingredient market, despite supply shortages and price increases. In 2023, global omega-3 volume reached 124,480 metric tons, a 1.4% increase from 2022. The market value grew by 22.5%, reaching over $2 billion. The dietary supplement sector led, but demand for refined oils remained stable due to supply constraints. 

Omega-3 Global Map shows rising interest but low intake​​

An updated omega-3 index (O3I) map revealed significant regional differences in omega-3 intake, with rising interest but overall low consumption. 

Countries like Japan, South Korea, Iceland, and Norway reported optimal intake levels, while Iran, Egypt, India, and Brazil showed very low levels. The authors recommended that to raise O3I levels from 4% to the desirable 8%, an additional 1.4 g of EPA or DHA is needed daily, achievable through increased consumption of oily fish or omega-3 supplements.

The beauty benefits of omega-3s​ ​

Omega-3 is emerging as a valuable yet underutilized ingredient in beauty supplements. Experts believe that its essential fatty acids, often overlooked in favor of trendier ingredients, have substantial benefits for skin and hair health.

Research analyst Shiyan Zering from Mintel noted that omega-3 is the “most sought-after ingredient” among beauty supplement users, with 41% specifically looking for it. However, many brands continue to favor ingredients like biotin and zinc.

Omega-3’s ability to address skin health, immune support, and inflammation makes it a strong candidate for addressing “inflammaging”—low-grade inflammation associated with aging. However, according to experts, omega-3 remains underrepresented in beauty supplements, presenting an untapped opportunity for brands aiming to offer holistic wellness benefits.

Omega-3 new research ​

Emerging studies are highlighting the promising roles of omega-3 fatty acids in health beyond heart disease, suggesting benefits for insulin sensitivity, aging, muscle health and pregnancy-related lipid management.

Omega-3 shows potential for improved insulin sensitivity​​

One recent study found that omega-3 fish oil may improve insulin sensitivity and benefit gut health and lipid metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

The research showed that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could influence gut bacteria's structure and function, potentially reducing systemic inflammation and aiding diabetes management.

Krill oil boosts muscle health and energy, study finds​​

A new study revealed that krill oil supplementation may enhance muscle fuel metabolism, boost protein synthesis and reduce LDL cholesterol.

Researchers from Norway discovered that krill oil, derived from Antarctic krill and known for its omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), palmitoleic acid and antioxidant astaxanthin, increases oleic acid (OA) oxidation and leucine accumulation in muscle cells.

It may also lower LDL levels and stimulate gene expression linked to energy metabolism.

Omega-3s may lower lipid levels during pregnancy after miscarriage​​

New research found that omega-3 supplements can reduce triglyceride levels in pregnant women with previous miscarriages. Miscarriage, which affects 23 million individuals annually, is linked to a higher risk of hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular issues, yet traditional lipid-lowering drugs like statins are generally avoided during pregnancy.

Omega-3s, however, could offer a safe alternative that lowers triglycerides by increasing triglyceride clearance through enzymes like lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Results of the study show that omega-3s significantly lowered triglycerides, however they did not affect total cholesterol, LDL or HDL. The greatest benefits were seen in younger women with a normal BMI, fewer pregnancy losses and higher education levels.

Increasing omega-3 intakes linked to delayed aging​​

A recent study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can slow biological aging, particularly up to a daily intake of 1.1 grams. Researchers found that omega-3s are associated with a slower rate of phenotypic age acceleration, which measures the gap between biological and chronological age using biochemical markers.

The results of the study indicated that gender, age, ethnicity and hypertension may influence omega-3 effectiveness in slowing aging. For instance, older adults and males showed a stronger anti-aging effect from omega-3 intake, potentially due to differences in how their bodies process and use these fatty acids.

Omega-3s may delay aging by reprogramming energy metabolism​​.

Another recent study suggests that omega-3 supplementation may support healthy aging by enhancing energy metabolism, which in turn helps preserve the function of key organs and reduces age-related changes.

In tests on mice, researchers found that omega-3s, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), activate PPAR-alpha, a receptor involved in energy and lipid metabolism, inflammation control, brain function and diabetes regulation.

Dr. Harry Rice from the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) commented that, if these findings extend to humans, they provide a compelling reason to consider a daily EPA/DHA supplement to support healthy aging.

Partnerships and business moves​

In the growing omega-3 industry, we’re seeing strategic partnerships and business moves that seek to expand market reach, leverage innovative technology and respond to evolving consumer demands.

Recent developments have showcased a range of collaborations and investments designed to strengthen positions in this sector.

Vita Actives and Brudy Technology joined forces to deliver advanced DHA​​

Vita Actives formed an exclusive B2B partnership with Brudy Technology to launch UbiOmega, a high-concentration DHA product sourced from both fish and algae. The collaboration features Brudy's Tridocosahexaenoína-AOX DHA molecule, available in two forms: sustainably sourced fish DHA and algal DHA.

The DHA molecule has been commercially available since 2010 and has clinically shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It supports eye health, maternal and infant health, cognitive function and sports recovery. With rising interest in omega-3s, particularly DHA, this partnership addresses consumer demand for targeted health benefits.

Zooca and Lehvoss UK partnered for the distribution of Calanus oil in Europe​​

Norwegian company Zooca partnered exclusively with Lehvoss UK to distribute its calanus oil-based products across Europe, aiming to meet rising demand for sustainably sourced fatty acids. 

Calanus oil, derived from the zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus, promotes metabolic health and healthy aging. The oil’s lipids deliver ergogenic policosanols that enhance muscle mass and metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing abdominal fat. These lipids have also been found to provide anti-inflammatory effects, protecting against oxidative damage, supporting cardiovascular health and improving skin’s UV defense.

Natac opened Spain’s largest omega-3 production plant​​

Natac inaugurated Spain’s largest omega-3 production facility in As Somozas, following an 18 million euro investment.

The new plant, which can produce up to 10,000 tonnes of omega-3 oils annually, aims to meet the rising global demand for premium-quality omega-3 oils. The plant has started producing its first batches at the beginning of October, with commercial sales expected in the near future.

KD Pharma completed the acquisition of dsm-firmenich’s marine lipids business​​

KD Pharma Group finalized its acquisition of dsm-firmenich’s Marine Lipids business, securing its position as the world’s largest omega-3 manufacturer after receiving necessary regulatory approvals.

The deal includes dsm-firmenich’s omega-3 fish oil operations for food, beverage, dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, along with the MEG-3 brand and production sites in Peru and Canada. In exchange, dsm-firmenich gained a minority stake in the expanded KD Pharma Group.