Evaluating the Rising Demand & the Market Potential of the Omega-3 Products

In recent years, the demand for Omega-3 Products has risen exponentially. Omega-3 fatty acids are also referred to as Polyunsaturated fatty acids and work in the body to lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health, among several other functions. As per DelveInsight’s latest assessment, the global Omega-3 Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.28% during the forecast period (2022 to 2027). The Omega-3 Market is growing at a significant pace owing to the increase in the prevalence of heart diseases such as stroke, the increasing cases of people suffering from depression, and the rising use of omega-3 supplements in sports nutrition, and for aesthetic purposes.  Additionally, the advancements in delivering quality and rich Omega-3 products across the globe and the active participation of the companies in the development of Omega-3 products are further driving the market growth. 

Why is Omega-3 Important for the body?

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the three main forms of omega-3 fatty acids. It is majorly found in foods, such as fish and flaxseed, and in dietary supplements. ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood. ALA is an essential fatty acid and the body can’t make it, it must be taken from the foods and beverages that a person consumes. The human body can convert some ALA into EPA and then to DHA, but only in small amounts. Therefore, getting EPA and DHA from foods (and dietary supplements) is the only practical way to increase levels of these omega-3 fatty acids in your body.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in the membranes that enclose each cell in the body. A deficiency of omega-3s can cause some complications in the body. It can lead to rough, scaly skin and a red, swollen, itchy rash. Omega-3s activate a number of activities in the body parts such as the heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system (the network of hormone-producing glands). Moreover, they also deliver calories to provide the body with energy.

What are the key benefits of Omega-3?

The human brain is a delicate part and governs all other systems in the body. However, some mental disorders or diseases such as depression and anxiety can severely impact the person. Both conditions are directly related to lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In some cases, it is observed that when used in conjunction with approved therapy, fish oil supplements have been shown to relieve depression better than a placebo. A good omega-3 diet also promotes adequate cerebral blood flow and improves blood flow to specific brain regions that enhance the performance in specific cognitive tasks. Healthy blood flow also reduces the risk of dementia.

Managing heart disease is another major benefit of Omega-3. It is observed that Omega-3 can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3s can enormously lower the levels of triglycerides and can also raise HDL cholesterol levels. Apart from these, it is associated with managing conditions such as blood clots, and inflammation, among others. 

Omega-3 supplements consist of DHA and EPA omega-3 is helpful for the elderly population as it assists in spines with higher bone mineral density. DHA, a type of omega-3, is a major structural component of the retina of your eye. Lack of enough DHA can lead to some form of vision problems. Taking omega-3 supplements can help immensely in reducing the risk of eye disorders such as macular degeneration. Studies have suggested that Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent vascular calcification and microcalcification in cancer tissues. These fatty acids increase mineralization and decrease bone deterioration, which improves bone quality. Moreover, 

Additionally, dry eye disease, infant health and development, cancer prevention, cognitive function, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cystic fibrosis, and childhood allergies, are some of the other major conditions for which the study is going on to assess the potential benefit of omega-3 dietary supplements. 

What are the potential risks of Omega-3?

The US FDA advises limiting the daily intake of EPA and DHA from dietary supplements to 5g. Omega-3 can have a poor aftertaste, bad breath, and smelly sweat. Moreover, it can lead to conditions such as heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and headache, among others. Omega-3 supplements can have just minor adverse effects occasionally. Similarly, the intake of Omega-3 is generally not advisable if the person is taking anticoagulants, as it may interact with the drug.

Omega-3 Market Dynamics

The rising cases of heart-related diseases (i.e. stroke) and depression, among others, are greatly contributing to the Omega-3 Market growth globally. It is observed that about 12.2 million cases of strokes happen each year on average, where 62% of the total strokes occur in people below 70 years of age. Moreover, risks such as high systolic blood pressure, high body-mass index, high fasting plasma glucose, high total cholesterol, and low glomerular filtration rate constitute about 71.0% of the global stroke risk in the year 2019. The omega-3 fatty acids can benefit the heart by lowering triglyceride levels, and blood pressure, and also by preventing blood clots. 

The growth in depression-related cases has also contributed immensely to the Omega-3 products demand.  In 2019, around 280 million people were living with depression. Depression can severely affect the person and can result in poor performance at job and school. Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties that could lessen depression and can easily interact with chemicals that impact mood by crossing the membrane of brain cells. People suffering from other psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit disorder can also potentially benefit from the Omega-3 products, and it is also one of the major reasons for the Omega-3 Market growth. In recent years, several new and innovative Omega-3 products are being launched by key market players, which is also driving the demand and the overall market.

However, Omega-3 products have several negative aspects associated with them which affect their market growth. The risks of interaction with drugs that affect blood clotting, risks of prostate cancer, and other mild effects such as bad breath, bad-smelling sweat, nausea, and headache, are some of the key factors that act as restraints for the Omega-3 market growth.

Key Companies in the Omega-3 Market 

Omega-3 products have a very high demand these days. Globally, several companies are active in product development and manufacturing. Some of the key players operating in the Omega-3 Market include Aker Biomarine Antarctic AS, Orkla Health, BASF Corporation, Omega Protein Corporation, GC Reiber Oils, Lonza, Croda International Plc, EPAX, BioProcess Algae, LLC, DSM, Evonik, Cargill Incorporated, Golden Omega, Corbion, Polaris, Olvea Fish Oils, Pharma Marine AS, Clover Corporation, Solutex, Stepan Company, and others. Owing to high demand and greater revenue potential, several companies are expected to enter the Omega-3 Market in the upcoming years. 

Recent Developments in the Omega-3 Market 

Globally, several significant outcomes have been registered in the Omega-3 Market. Some of the significant clinical, commercial, and regulatory developments in the Omega-3 Market include:

• In October 2022, Algarithm and Natures Crops International collaborated to launch two brand new omega oil blends for the supplement, food & beverage ingredient usage, Ahiflower 80DHAand 150DHA, a vegan option offering a complete profile of omega3-6-9 solution.
• In July 2021, Neptune Wellness Solutions launched the new Forest Remedies plant-based Multi Omega-3-6-9 gummies and soft gels with Ahiflower as a major ingredient, for fulfilling the nutrient requirement of the human body.
• In February 2021, Noventure launched EPA3G, a drinkable omega-3 oil sachet comprising 3g of drinkable EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid); after signing an agreement with Azur Global Nutrition.
• In December 2020, OZiva, an Indian plant-based nutrition brand, announced the launch of India’s first plant-based Omega-3 multivitamin supplement Omega Multi, providing 200 mg of vegan EPA and DHA, 100 mg of extra virgin olive oil, along with plant-based vitamins such as vitamin A, D3, E & K2 MK-7.

Key Analysis and Perspective

Omega-3 is considered an essential product for the human body. As the body is unable to produce it and to fulfill the requirement, it needs to be taken from an external source. Food sources like fish, nuts, and seeds are rich in Omega-3. However, the primary source of Omega-3 fats is fish oil. As the understanding of Omega-3 is growing, the demand for various Omega-3 is anticipated to showcase a continuous trend in growth to maintain good health and improve cognitive function, thereby driving the overall market growth.