Omega-3 Fatty Acids Market Assessment, By Type [Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Alpha-linolenic Acid, Others], By Source [Plant, Marine], By Application [Supplements and Functional Foods, Pharmaceuticals, Infant Formula, Animal Feed and Pet F

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Market Assessment, By Type [Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Alpha-linolenic Acid, Others], By Source [Plant, Marine], By Application [Supplements and Functional Foods, Pharmaceuticals, Infant Formula, Animal Feed and Pet Food, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global omega-3 fatty acids market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 2.21 billion in 2023 to USD 3.83 billion in 2031F. The growth of the market can be attributed to the rising requirement for functional foods and supplements, increasing demand for infant formula, and augmenting utilization of omega-3 fatty acids in pet food and animal feed.

The rising demand for infant formula is one of the major factors boosting the global omega-3 fatty acids market size. For instance, according to various estimates, approximately 60% of the babies in Africa under six months are formula-fed in 2024. Moreover, babies are fed formula to ensure that they receive all the nutrients essential for thriving and growing. It in turn, is bolstering the demand of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid as the product finds utilization in infant formula. According to the European mandatory dietary recommendations, at least 20mg/ 100 kcal (4.8 mg/ 100 kJ) Docosahexaenoic acid should be added to the infant formula. Docosahexaenoic acid is utilized in prenatal vitamins and infant formula as it is one of the major building blocks for cells present in the nervous system, brain, and eyes, making it essential for babies. Thus, boosting its requirement for the development of infant formula and bolstering the growth of the market.

The increasing health consciousness among the general population is boosting the consumption of supplements and functional foods and augmenting the requirement for omega-3 fatty acids. The increased requirement can be attributed to various functions performed by the omega-3 fatty acids, including provision of calories to supply energy to the body and completion of various functions in the endocrine system, blood vessels, immune system, lungs, and heart. For instance, according to 2023 findings of Council for Responsible Nutrition, 74% of the adults in the United States consume dietary supplements, with 55% qualifying as regular users. This increase in uptake of supplements is propelling the consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-based supplements as they aid in enhancing eye health and are linked with decreased risk of macular degeneration, one of the leading conditions that causes blindness and permanent eye damage. Thus, boosting their demand for production of different functional foods and supplements, and supporting global omega-3 fatty acids market growth.

Increasing Utilization of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Animal Feed and Pet Food Bolsters Market Demand

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of cell membranes and play an important role in normal physiological functioning of livestock. These fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid must be supplied in the diet. In livestock, the supplementation of these fatty acids has demonstrated the enhancement of reproductive efficiency, health status, and immune functioning, aiding in increasing farm profitability and improving livestock performance. In lambs, these fatty acids act as essential modulators of immune functions and enhance the immunity of ewe, soon after lambing, helping in regeneration of reproductive tissues for rebreeding. Due to such advantages offered by omega-3 fatty acids their utilization in animal feed is increasing, propelling the product demand and thus, boosting the growth of the market.

Furthermore, the growing adoption of pets is further augmenting the global demand for omega-3 fatty acids. According to the estimates of Humane Society and Shelter Animals Count, between 2.2 million and 2.6 million cats and dogs in 2023 are adopted every year in the United States. The increase in adoption is bolstering the requirement for pet food, which in turn, is propelling the demand for omega-3 fatty acids as they are added to pet food due to various benefits they offer, which aid in enhancing animal health. These benefits include improving clinical signs of inflammatory conditions in cats and dogs including redness of the skin, scratching, and itching. The supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids is recognized to aid in maintaining the coat quality and general skin condition.

Expansion of Cosmetics and Personal Care Sector Boosts Market Growth

The rapid expansion of the cosmetics sector is augmenting the demand for omega-3 fatty acids as these polyunsaturated fatty acids protect skin against sun damage and aid in improving various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. For instance, according to the estimates of Yale Medicine, acne affects approximately 85% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 24. They estimate that approximately 25% of women in their forties, 33% of women in their thirties, and 50% of women in their twenties suffer from acne. Due to the rise in cases of acne and related skin conditions, the demand for omega-3 fatty acids is increasing as they can aid in decreasing the severity of the condition by improving skin hydration and reducing inflammation. Other benefits offered by omega-3 fatty acids include the provision of support for maintaining the natural barrier function of the skin, which protects the skin against environmental stressors, keeping the skin healthy and hydrated, and preventing loss of water. Due to the functions offered by omega-3 fatty acids, their utilization in the formation of skincare products is increasing, boosting product demand in the cosmetics and personal care sector and augmenting market growth.

North America Accounts for Significant Global Omega-3 Fatty Acids Market Share

The rapid expansion of the market over the forecast period can be attributed to the strong presence of various market players in the region, increasing accessibility to omega-3 fatty acid-based supplements and functional foods, and rising requirements for omega-3 fatty acids from the pharmaceutical sector. For instance, according to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations estimates, North America accounted for 52.3% of global pharmaceutical sales in 2022 compared to 22.4% of Europe. The expansion of North America pharmaceutical sector is propelling the requirement for omega-3 fatty acids as it is used for treating and managing hyperlipidemia.

Presently, the utilization of two prescription omega-3 fatty acid products, omega-3-acid ethyl esters and icosapent ethyl, has been approved by the FDA for adults, to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events who have very high triglycerides. The prescription of omega-3 fatty acids is recommended in adjunctive therapy, combined with statins to reduce total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to only statin. Thus, due to these applications of omega-3 fatty acids their demand is increasing from the pharmaceutical sector in North America, supporting the expansion of the market in the region.

Increased Incorporation of Supplements and Functional Foods in Diets Support Market Expansion

The rising consumption of dietary supplements is one of the major global omega-3 fatty acids market trends that is supporting the market growth. According to the estimates of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the most consumed supplements in 2023 were weight management supplements (19%), sports supplements (30%), herbs and botanicals (44%), specialty supplements, including probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, etc. (46%) and vitamins and mineral supplements (98%). The increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be attributed to the growing awareness about various health benefits offered by them among the general population. For instance, omega-3 fish oil supplements aid in the management of various symptoms associated with different autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Thus, boosting their consumption and providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Holds Significant Share of the Market

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) will account for a significant market share over the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing consumption of prenatal vitamins containing docosahexaenoic acid. According to various studies, daily intake of 200 mg DHA can reduce the likelihood of preterm birth. Thus boosting the product demand and supporting the growth of the segment. Additionally, docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy has been associated with neurological development in infants. Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid at birth have been associated with high rates of attention hyperactivity, deficit disorder, and autism. Due to such advantages offered by DHA, the requirement for DHA supplements is increasing, supporting the segment's expansion and thus, market growth.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

As per global omega-3 fatty acids market analysis, the market will witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to rising research and development activities to assess the safety and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for prevention of various diseases. For instance, the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States is conducting an interventional pilot study to assess the effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules in moderate dose on microbial and intestinal microbiota changes in patients that are at a high risk of getting colorectal cancer. The study is expected to conclude in August 2024. Such studies will aid in establishing the functioning of omega-3 fatty acids in disease prevention, propelling the product demand, and supporting the expansion of the market. Additionally, the rapid expansion of supplements and functional foods sector and growing increasing utilization of omega-3 fatty acids in pet food and animal feed will further boost global omega-3 fatty acids market demand over the forecast period.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Increasing investments by different companies to enhance the production of omega-3 fatty acids is providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market. For instance, in March 2024, Yield10 Bioscience, an agricultural biotechnology company headquartered in Massachusetts, United States, received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) for breeding and growing the company’s Camelina sativa variety, which is developed using genetic engineering to produce omega-3 fatty acids. With the help of Camelina, the company aims to provide a reliable supply of omega-3 fatty acids. Such advancements and development of novel technologies to enhance the production of omega-3 fatty acids will support the global omega-3 fatty acids market expansion over the forecast period.