The EPA/DHA (Omega 3) ingredients market is poised to record substantial growth over the years 2023-2032. Omega-3 fatty acids supplements have seen a rise in sales owing to growing awareness about their various health benefits. Numerous studies are conducted to identify the advantages of EPA and DHA. According to estimates, more than 40,000 studies have been published in the field of EPA and DHA, including more than 4,000 human clinical trials.

Studies suggest that EPA and DHA have a positive impact on maternal health, prenatal health, heart & brain health, and even on the health of animals. Growing environmental concerns associated with the impact of traditional methods of extraction of omega-3 fatty acids has triggered a myriad of innovations in this landscape. Technological advancements and R&D have enabled manufacturers to source EPA and DHA fatty acids from plant-based sources such as microalgae.

Several nutrition and dietary supplement brands are spearheading innovation and research in omega 3. For instance, in May 2022, Thai Union Ingredients, a nutrition company, announced plans to establish a new research facility called Omega 3 Center of Excellence (O3C). The company aims to boost collaboration on dietary supplements and fortified products.

The EPA/DHA (Omega 3) ingredients market is segregated into product, source, application, and region.

By product, the industry is fragmented into EPA and DHA. the EPA segment was valued at more than 385 million in 2022. Increasing healthcare awareness and growing consumer inclination towards a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids will favor segment growth. EPA is considered to help treat depression, heart disorders, ADHD, and rheumatoid arthritis. It also has potential benefits pertaining to female health with the ability to reduce menstrual pain and the impact of menopause.

With respect to source, the market landscape is bifurcated into salmon oils, anchovy/Sandrine oils, cod liver oils, algae oils, and tuna oils. The cod liver oils segment is projected to exhibit over 6.5% between 2023-2032. Increasing demand for cod liver oil capsules can be attributed to its high nutritional content. Cod liver oils are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and find applications in cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed. Growing focus on preventative care will accelerate segment growth.

In terms of application, the market is categorized into pet food, infant formulas, functional foods, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and others. Infant formula applications of EPA/DHA (Omega 3) ingredients are expected to record sustainable growth over 2032. Omega-3 ingredients are being increasingly used in infant formulas due to their ability to boost visual and neurological development. Favorable government efforts encouraging parents to buy EPA and DHA-based baby food will complement the segment growth.

Europe EPA/DHA (Omega 3) ingredients market is estimated to surpass USD 1 billion by 2032. Europe is expected to emerge as a prominent landscape with increasing consumer awareness associated with health and well-being and rising consumption of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

According to a survey conducted across 14 EU member states by Ipsos European Public Affairs in 2022, 93% of the respondent had taken a food supplement in the past 12 months, while 19% of the surveyed individuals consumed omega-3 or fish oils.