The EPA And DHA Market size is estimated at USD 1.92 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.76 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.51% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The market for EPA and DHA is primarily driven by increasing awareness regarding potential health benefits associated with fatty acids. Furthermore, the rising incidences of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, augment the demand for EPA and DHA ingredients. These algae omega-3 ingredients help improve heart health by lowering triglycerides, raising good cholesterol levels, and protecting the heart from irregular heart rhythms. They also support muscle recovery, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and aid normal brain and eye development in babies. Moreover, health organizations and regulatory bodies worldwide, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), recognize the health benefits of EPA and DHA and provide dietary recommendations and guidelines to promote their consumption. Such regulatory support contributes to the growth of the EPA and DHA market by fostering consumer confidence and awareness. Besides this, key companies focus on mergers and acquisitions, expanding their product portfolio, and launching new products to maintain their position in the market. For instance, in February 2024, Epax launched a full-spectrum oil with a combination of omega 3, 9, and 11, which has particular potential for skin health supplements.
The increasing consumer preference for tailored health solutions has increased demand for DHA-infused food and feed products. As individuals seek nutritionally enriched options, there is a noticeable transition toward products that offer versatile health benefits derived from DHA. Omega-3 supplements containing DHA provide a convenient way for individuals to boost their intake of beneficial fatty acids, supporting overall health and well-being. The increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases and consumers seeking preventive healthcare measures further drive the intake of omega supplements. Moreover, health organization recommendations highlighting the optimal intake of DHA for heart health and overall well-being significantly shape consumer preferences and market dynamics. For instance, the Global Organization for DHA Omega-3s (GOED), a non-profit trade association for omega-3 oils, established a daily recommendation for DHA and EPA intake of 700-1000 mg for lactating or pregnant women, 500 mg for healthy adults, and more than 1g depending on additional health conditions.
Asia-Pacific has been leading the market studied, owing to the high consolidated production and consumption in countries like China and Japan. Consumers in this region tend to source omega-3 majorly from fish-rich diets rather than algae-based products. According to a survey conducted by the Japan Fisheries Association in 2022, a majority of 51.2 percent of respondents ate seafood because of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA contained in fish meat that the body cannot produce. Over 50 percent of respondents believed that DHA and EPA helped in cancer prevention, lifestyle-related diseases, and dementia. Moreover, there has also been a growing demand for omega supplements for kids due to increasing awareness among parents about the crucial role of EPA and DHA in brain development and other vital functions. China is the leading country in the global infant nutrition market with nearly 50 % market share in value, according to the Lactalis ingredients company reports as of 2023. Infant formulae, followed by dietary supplements, are two major Chinese EPA and DHA applications.
The Global EPA and DHA market is fragmented and comprises local and international competitors. The players compete using various strategies, ranging from expanding their production facilities to maintaining food safety guidelines. They also focus on partnerships and product innovations to increase market share and consumer base in various regions. Corbion NV, KD Pharma Group, Polaris SA, DSM-Firmenich, and Neptune Wellness Solutions are the major companies among other key market players.
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