\u201cThe market evolution toward sustainable, specialized solutions addresses two key trends: the shift from reactive to proactive health management, and the growing demand for plant-based alternatives,\u201d says Brent MacDonald, director of Global Business Development in Algal Lipids at dsm-firmenich.<\/p>\n
\u201cCritically, DHA and EPA no longer need to come at a cost to marine ecosystems, as algal omega-3 oils offer an alternative to fish oil that is more sustainable, potent, and enjoyable to consume.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition, MacDonald says that research shows algal-sourced DHA and EPA provide \u201cbioequivalent benefits\u201d to fish-based sources. He notes that dsm-firmenich is supporting a transition toward potent plant-based omegas through an expanded portfolio, ensuring consumers can make sustainable choices without compromising on supplement efficiency or efficacy.<\/p>\n \u201cThis includes the introduction of life\u2019s Omega O3020 \u2014 the first algal omega-3 with fish oil\u2019s natural 1.5:1 EPA\/DHA ratio but twice the potency \u2014 enabling brands to upgrade seamlessly from fish oil to more potent, sustainable solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n Plant-based innovations<\/p>\n Merc\u00e8 Pi\u00f1ol, SVP of sales of Human Health Ingredients EMEA and LATAM at Aker BioMarine, also notes that algae-based omega-3s are gaining traction in the market.<\/p>\n \u201cRevervia, Aker BioMarine\u2019s latest innovation, meets this demand with a sustainable, high-quality, plant-based omega-3 ingredient. Naturally rich in DHA \u2014 up to 60%, the highest from algae \u2014 it offers effective supplementation without molecular processing.\u201d<\/p>\n Simon Riise, director of Business Development at GC Rieber VivoMega, says that algae oil\u2019s quality and sensory properties enable applications beyond softgels.<\/p>\n \u201cWe see algae oil as the best alternative to fish oil, considering its potency, quality, and ability to produce high-grade omega-3 concentrates for human consumption. Currently, the algae market for supplements is in its infancy, where both technology and cost developments are needed to drive volumes in the mass market.\u201d<\/p>\n Riise adds: \u201cIt\u2019s easy to get confused in the omega-3 market, but we think it\u2019s important to keep in mind that the EPA and DHA omega-3s are exactly the same in fish and algae \u2014 the difference lies in the raw material, with algae sitting lower in the food chain, making it a cleaner and more sustainable source compared to fish oil.\u201d<\/p>\n Fish oil supplies<\/p>\n Despite these innovations in plant-based solutions, Riise says that fish oil remains the most important source of omega-3. \u201cWe don\u2019t expect this to change significantly in the short to mid-term.\u201d<\/p>\n He notes that the omega-3 ingredient industry<\/a> is relatively young, with \u201chuge untapped potential\u201d across markets. \u201cLooking at the global supply side, there are still many regions and sources that are not utilized due to a lack of acknowledged certifications or quality.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough lead times on such developments could be tedious, there is great potential in working closely with new regions and producers to not only advocate for the need for globally acknowledged industry certifications, but also enhanced quality of the raw material, something that is also important from a sustainability perspective, taking better care of a natural raw material.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe omega-3 industry has shown resilience even during periods of supply disruption, which underlines the robustness of its value proposition. Continued innovation \u2014 across sourcing, production, and application \u2014 will be key to ensuring responsible growth in the years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Exploring new health benefits<\/p>\n Jessica Pfoehler, senior expert Global Category Management Pharma & CP Innovation at Gelita, says recent scientific breakthroughs are driving strong growth in the omega-3 supplement market.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOnce primarily linked to heart health, omega-3 fatty acids are now associated with a broader range of benefits, including slowing biological aging, improved cognitive function, and cancer prevention support.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, omega-3s are gaining recognition in the field of sports nutrition, where they show promising potential for targeted applications such as enhancing athletic performance, aiding recovery, and reducing the risk of injury.\u201d<\/p>\n Ekrann Aarak adds that a growing body of scientific research also supports the benefits of EPA and DHA fatty acids in vision, inflammation, mental well-being, and early life development.<\/p>\n \u201cThis sustained focus from the scientific community reinforces the relevance of omega-3s in modern nutrition and helps explain the continued demand in many regions. The strong foundation of documented health effects provides confidence to both consumers and professionals, and supports ongoing product development in a number of application areas.\u201d<\/p>\n Pi\u00f1ol from Aker BioMarine adds another health area where omega-3s can benefit \u2014 muscle health during weight loss.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a result, interest is rising in companion products that help offset these effects. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially from marine sources like krill oil, show strong potential. Emerging research suggests krill oil may support body composition and preserve muscle mass and strength during weight loss.\u201d<\/p>\n Supplement efficacy advances<\/p>\n Pi\u00f1ol says that technology is part of the engine powering innovation in omegas, enabling companies to \u201cpush the boundaries of what\u2019s possible in supplement development.\u201d<\/p>\n She highlights Aker BioMarine\u2019s PL+ Technology, a delivery platform designed to optimize the cellular uptake and absorption of ingredients with typically lower bioavailability.<\/p>\n \u201cBy leveraging natural marine phospholipids (PLs), this technology enhances ingredient uptake by up to 25 times, making it a game-changer for both product performance and consumer outcomes. This scientific advancement has already gained commercial traction in the US and Europe, and we\u2019re excited to see its continued momentum.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"arrow\"](\"https:\/\/resource.innovamarketinsights360.com\/fif\/banners\/cca27c00-ab6d-4cfe-9195-ba79225542ae.webp\" "\\"arrow\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nEPA and DHA omega-3s are exactly the same in fish and algae, but algae is a cleaner and more sustainable source, says Riise.\u201cAs a natural triglyceride and vegetarian option, Revervia appeals to health-conscious and plant-based consumers, expanding access to omega-3s in underserved markets,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Omega-3s are linked to various health benefits, from heart health and cognition, to sports performance, mental well-being, and healthy aging.Kristi Ekrann Aarak, technical business development manager at GC Rieber VivoMega, adds that maintaining this strong focus on quality, sustainability, and transparency will be essential in the future.<\/p>\n
Pfoehler highlights Gelita\u2019s specialized gelatin solution Easyseal to overcome formulation challenges connected with krill oil in softgels.\u201cThe growing popularity of weight-loss strategies \u2014 from calorie restriction to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic<\/a> \u2014 has brought increased attention to the risks of rapid weight loss, particularly the loss of skeletal muscle. Muscle loss can compromise metabolic health, physical function, and long-term weight control.\u201d<\/p>\n