Global EPA and DHA Market is Estimated to Witness High Growth, Owing To Increasing Health Awareness and Rising Demand from Infant Nutrition Industry
Global EPA and DHA market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.93 Bn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Furthermore, growing consumer awareness about health and nutrition can boost demand for EPA & DHA supplements.
Market Dynamics
Global EPA and DHA market growth is driven by rising demand for infant nutrition products and increasing health awareness among consumers. Growing consumer awareness about the role of EPA and DHA in maintaining cognitive health and heart health has boosted the demand for supplements containing these omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, rising disposable income in developing regions is contributing to the growing consumption of premium health supplements. On the ingredients front, there has been huge demand for marine-sourced EPA and DHA, owing to lower risks of contaminants compared to plant-based sources. Leading supplement manufacturers are innovating their product formulations by incorporating EPA and DHA along with other nutrients to attract health-conscious consumers. The market players are also focusing on strengthening their distribution networks across emerging markets to capture new growth opportunities.
Increasing demand for nutraceutical and functional food products
Increasing health consciousness among consumers globally has led to rising demand for nutraceutical and functional food products containing EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA have proven health benefits for heart health, brain health, eye health and joint health. Many food and beverage manufacturers are adding EPA and DHA to their product portfolio. The nutraceutical industry has witnessed growth in EPA and DHA infused supplements over the past few years. This increasing demand from the nutraceutical and functional food sectors can drive the growth of EPA and DHA market.
Growing aquaculture industry reliance on EPA and DHA
Growing aquaculture industry globally relies heavily on EPA and DHA for fish feed formulations. Farmed fish and seafood require EPA and DHA in their diet for health and proper development. As traditional fishmeal and fish oil sources dwindle, the aquaculture industry is increasingly depending on single-cell or algal derived EPA and DHA as sustainable alternatives. Rising demand from aquaculture producers seeking EPA and DHA for fish feed can drive the market growth. Farm-raised salmon, trout and other popular seafood varieties require EPA and DHA, thus, driving market growth.
High production and processing costs
Producing high-quality EPA and DHA through means such as algal fermentation or fish oil extraction comes with high capital and operating costs. The costs of setting up large-scale production facilities, biomass development, harvesting, refining and chemical processing adds to overall EPA and DHA prices. Sourcing EPA and DHA from sustainable sources also impacts prices. These high production costs can hamper the market growth.
Lack of standardization and regulations
There has been lack of global harmonization and standardized regulations regarding the production, quality, certifications and labeling of EPA and DHA ingredients. Regulations vary across regions and countries. This regulatory uncertainty poses challenges for manufacturers and limits the ability to scale operations and ensure consistent quality globally. The lack of standardized benchmarks and testing methods for assessing EPA and DHA content can hamper the market growth.
Growing infant formula market demand
The market for infant formula is growing globally, thus, opening opportunities for EPA and DHA fortified products. Nutrition and pediatric health organizations recommend the inclusion of EPA and DHA in infant formula for brain and eye development during the critical first two years. With more mothers using formula feeding, infant formula producers can leverage the cognitive and physical benefits of EPA and DHA to drive the market growth.
Expanding FDA approval of medical food applications
Medical foods containing EPA and DHA witness rising demand for their clinical applications such as reducing cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease risk. As new clinical studies emerge and the FDA approves more therapeutic health claims in the U.S., there is an opportunity to target the medical food and clinical nutrition space. This expanding set of medically-approved uses can drive the EPA and DHA market growth.
Link:https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/epa-and-dha-market-5200
Key Developments
- In March 2024, DSM-Firmenich partnered with SCN BestCo to launch omega-3 gummies enriched with EPA and DHA, catering to the rising demand for functional health supplements
- In March 2024, Epax, a prominent Norway-based premium omega-3 brand under Pelagia AS, announced a US$ 40 million investment in a state-of-the-art distillation facility. This facility is designed to enhance the production of ultra-concentrated omega-3 using advanced distillation technology.
- In February 2024, Epax introduced an innovative product, EPAX Omega 3-9-11, a full-spectrum oil that combines omega-3, 9, and 11. This product, particularly suited for skin health supplements, is rich in Omega-3 EPA and DHA, essential LC-PUFAs known for their significant benefits to heart and brain health.
Key Players
Koninklijke DSM NV, KD Pharma Group, The Archer Daniels Midland Company, Corbion NV, Novasep Holding SAS, Neptune Wellness Solutions, BASF SE, Omega Protein Corporation, Croda International PLC, Novotech Nutraceuticals, Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., and Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
