Sean Moloughney, Editor10.07.19
The total value of the global omega-3 market in 2017 was $1.32 billion, up 2.3% from 2016, according to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED). Dietary supplements hold the largest share of value (54%), alongside infant formula (19.7%), pharmaceuticals (15.1%), pet foods (6.0%), and food and beverages (4.3%).
In terms of total volume, GOED estimated the market was up 2.1% to about 109,169 metric tons in 2016. Supplements again make up the largest application (63.8%), followed by pet foods (24.7%), infant formula (4.2%), food and beverages (4.0%), and pharmaceuticals (2.0%).
Trends & Market Drivers
From both marine and vegetal sources, the omega-3 supplement market continues to grow, as these nutrients “have long been researched with many clinical studies supporting proven health benefits,” said Mary Ann Siciliano, national sales manager, Arista Industries, Inc.
As more consumers who may be averse to swallowing large pill-format products look to add omega-3s into their diets, opportunities remain for food and beverage fortification with these essential nutrients, she added. Innovative technologies have allowed product developers to deliver advanced product solutions as well, for example, in terms of pill size and sensory profile.
“These markets will continue to grow as omega-3s are being added to everything, and no longer available just in supplement form,” said Siciliano. “Omega-3 fatty acids have been added to infant formulas for a very long time and can now be found in yogurts, breads, cereals and beverages. Flax and fish oil are added to animal feed as well to provide milk and eggs with high omega-3 contents.”
From infants and children to the elderly, and everyone in between, omega-3 supplements and fortified products can provide meaningful nutritional benefits throughout all life stages.
“In large part, market momentum can be attributed to scientific analysis and clinical research confirming health benefits for cognition/brain development and heart health,” said Siciliano. “At any given time there are hundreds of studies being performed on omega-3 ingredients and these can be inconsistent due to various parameters, but all are looking to discover the next proven health claim.”
Market advancement has a direct correlation with clinical research demonstrating the benefits of omega-3s for brain and heart health, she added.
In fact, based on scientific evidence, FDA recently confirmed that it will allow certain qualified heart health claims confirming that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
The omega-3 supplement market is primed for growth, according to Andrew Downey, marketing manager, Xsto Solutions. “Dietary supplements are still the major application but one can expect omega-3 fortified foods/beverages to increase in popularity as younger generations are less interested in pills.”
Overall, growing consumer demand for wellness solutions alongside awareness about how diet and lifestyle choices impact health are steering the omega-3 market in positive directions, he said. “Moreover, plant-based omega-3s will contribute to growth as more consumers are searching for products without fish oil.”
He continued to say that algae, nuts, and seeds are gaining interest, alongside foritifed products like protein bars, nut butters, juices, and milk. “This growth will continue as consumers search for omega-3s without animal products.”
Today’s consumers are becoming savvier, especially with regard to sustainability and traceability, said Kate Pastor, senior vice president, Superba North America, Aker BioMarine Antarctic US LLC. “They want to know where their products are coming from and hold companies accountable for their actions. There is no question that a company will not survive and thrive in this industry if sustainability and traceability aren’t considered business priorities.”
Since inception, Aker BioMarine has taken sustainability very seriously, Pastor said, and during the past year has made strides to further its commitment to sustainable practices. The team was active in getting the vast majority of krill harvesting companies operating in the Antarctic involved in an initiative to voluntarily stop fishing in areas around the breeding colonies of penguins to protect Antarctic wildlife.
On the technology front, the company recently unveiled the world’s first purpose-built krill harvesting vessel. Named Antarctic Endurance, this environmentally-friendly, state-of-the-art vessel was specifically designed and constructed for the company’s unique business, and helps further demonstrate Aker BioMarine’s best practices, said Pastor.
“In addition to sustainability, traceability is equally important,” she added. “Aker BioMarine owns and controls its entire supply chain, which means customers can always expect a secure supply volume, product quality, and seamless service.”
Innovation
William Harris, PhD, chief scientific officer, OmegaQuant, pointed to several innovations spurring advancements in the omega-3 market, including “new supplement formulations (free fatty acids, pre-emulsified) with enhanced absorption properties; the clinical utility of the lesser-known omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (22:5n3); new benefits for omega-3s, such as in joint health; and re-evaluating the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 when given in higher doses than in past studies (i.e., 4 vs 1 gram/day).”
OmegaQuant also recently launched a new product called the Prenatal DHA test for women to use to measure, modify, and monitor their omega-3 DHA status.
“Women with red blood cell DHA levels of less than 5% are at increased risk for premature birth compared to women with higher levels,” said Harris. “Until now, there has not been a way for women or their doctors to assess their prenatal DHA level. In December last year, OmegaQuant research associate, Kristin Harris Jackson, PhD, RD, published a paper establishing the rationale for creating a specific DHA target level in the blood, specifically as a way to help reduce the risk of preterm birth. Since then, OmegaQuant has taken that research and developed a test to help women assess their level and determine if they need to get more DHA in their diet.”
According to Pastor, there is significant potential for growth and innovation for the future. “The krill oil market is hitting new heights, specifically with science, technology, and innovation. In fact, Aker BioMarine is investing in new science projects and exploring how krill oil can benefit various health areas. We also believe that innovation and technology will help to solve some of the industry’s toughest challenges moving forward. If we keep on this track, there is no question that we will continue to produce some of the most highly sought after products in the industry, and we are extremely optimistic and excited about the future of the krill oil category.”
While the future looks bright, Pastor said it’s important to reflect on what makes krill oil unique and what brought consumers to the category in the first place—usage and compliance.
“If ‘pill fatigue’ is an issue, krill oil is a great go-to option, as capsules are small and easy to swallow,” said Pastor. “Also with krill oil, you won’t encounter issues with smell, aftertaste, and reflux.”
Overall, the krill oil market is making waves with innovation, she added. “At Aker BioMarine, we are continually looking at unique delivery systems, emulsified liquids, gummies and all other collaborative combinations with complementary branded raw material suppliers.”
Science & Research
Research on omega-3s has been inconsistent at times because studies have often used what Harris called “sub-therapeutic doses.”
“That insufficient dosing has been a major problem was suggested by the findings of the REDUCE-IT study (published in early 2019) showing that 4 grams/day of EPA ethyl esters was clearly effective in reducing risk for cardiovascular disease,” he noted. “Another study called STRENGTH is testing the effects of 4 grams of EPA+DHA (given as free fatty acids) on cardiovascular disease and will be reported out in the next year or so. The general insufficiency of the standard 1 gram/day of EPA+DHA ethyl esters has been shown in several studies, and this is most likely due to the inability of that dose to achieve a cardioprotective Omega-3 Index of greater than 8%.”
To that end, OmegaQuant authored a recent paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition designed to help researchers calculate how much omega-3s people would likely need to reach a cardioprotective Omega-3 Index of 8%.
“Until now, there has been very little guidance about what dose of EPA and DHA should be tested in a study,” said Harris. “And with the wide differences in study results in recent years, it is likely that dose played a role in the relative success or failure of omega-3 studies. In other words, if the dose of EPA and DHA in a study isn’t high enough to make an impact on blood levels (i.e., the Omega-3 Index), there may be no effect on the desired endpoint, leading to a neutral result.”
In terms of application areas, Harris said there continues to be growing interest in the effects of omega-3s in a variety of clinical outcomes, including joint and brain health.
Harris recently co-authored the recent American Heart Association (AHA) advisory on omega-3s and high triglycerides, which was released in August. Based on recent clinical trial evidence, it said prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication reduces triglyceride levels by 20-30% among the majority of people who require treatment for high triglyceride levels.
“From our review of the evidence from 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials on high triglyceride levels, we concluded that treatment with 4 grams daily of any of the available prescription choices is effective and can be used safely in conjunction with statin medicines that lower cholesterol,” said Ann Skulas-Ray, PhD, the lead author of the new science advisory published in the AHA’s journal Circulation.
The AHA Advisory authors summarized the lipid and lipoprotein effects resulting from pharmacological doses of omega-3s EPA and DHA (at 3 grams or greater per day of EPA+DHA) on the basis of new scientific data and availability of prescription omega-3 preparations.
There are two prescription omega-3 fatty acid medications available, according to Harris. One combines EPA and DHA; the other provides only EPA. “Since there have been no head-to-head comparisons of the two different formulations at prescription dosing, the advisory does not recommend one over the other,” said Harris.
FDA-approved prescription omega-3 fatty acid products include Lovaza and its generic (omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters—EPA 0.465 g and DHA 0.375 g/capsule), Omtryg (a similar product but not clinically available), Vascepa (an ethyl ester product consisting of EPA only, chemical term “icosapent ethyl”—EPA 0.98 g/capsule), and Epanova (omega-3 carboxylic acid—EPA 0.55 g and DHA 0.2 g/capsule, not yet clinically available).
In terms of total volume, GOED estimated the market was up 2.1% to about 109,169 metric tons in 2016. Supplements again make up the largest application (63.8%), followed by pet foods (24.7%), infant formula (4.2%), food and beverages (4.0%), and pharmaceuticals (2.0%).
Trends & Market Drivers
From both marine and vegetal sources, the omega-3 supplement market continues to grow, as these nutrients “have long been researched with many clinical studies supporting proven health benefits,” said Mary Ann Siciliano, national sales manager, Arista Industries, Inc.
As more consumers who may be averse to swallowing large pill-format products look to add omega-3s into their diets, opportunities remain for food and beverage fortification with these essential nutrients, she added. Innovative technologies have allowed product developers to deliver advanced product solutions as well, for example, in terms of pill size and sensory profile.
“These markets will continue to grow as omega-3s are being added to everything, and no longer available just in supplement form,” said Siciliano. “Omega-3 fatty acids have been added to infant formulas for a very long time and can now be found in yogurts, breads, cereals and beverages. Flax and fish oil are added to animal feed as well to provide milk and eggs with high omega-3 contents.”
From infants and children to the elderly, and everyone in between, omega-3 supplements and fortified products can provide meaningful nutritional benefits throughout all life stages.
“In large part, market momentum can be attributed to scientific analysis and clinical research confirming health benefits for cognition/brain development and heart health,” said Siciliano. “At any given time there are hundreds of studies being performed on omega-3 ingredients and these can be inconsistent due to various parameters, but all are looking to discover the next proven health claim.”
Market advancement has a direct correlation with clinical research demonstrating the benefits of omega-3s for brain and heart health, she added.
In fact, based on scientific evidence, FDA recently confirmed that it will allow certain qualified heart health claims confirming that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
The omega-3 supplement market is primed for growth, according to Andrew Downey, marketing manager, Xsto Solutions. “Dietary supplements are still the major application but one can expect omega-3 fortified foods/beverages to increase in popularity as younger generations are less interested in pills.”
Overall, growing consumer demand for wellness solutions alongside awareness about how diet and lifestyle choices impact health are steering the omega-3 market in positive directions, he said. “Moreover, plant-based omega-3s will contribute to growth as more consumers are searching for products without fish oil.”
He continued to say that algae, nuts, and seeds are gaining interest, alongside foritifed products like protein bars, nut butters, juices, and milk. “This growth will continue as consumers search for omega-3s without animal products.”
Today’s consumers are becoming savvier, especially with regard to sustainability and traceability, said Kate Pastor, senior vice president, Superba North America, Aker BioMarine Antarctic US LLC. “They want to know where their products are coming from and hold companies accountable for their actions. There is no question that a company will not survive and thrive in this industry if sustainability and traceability aren’t considered business priorities.”
Since inception, Aker BioMarine has taken sustainability very seriously, Pastor said, and during the past year has made strides to further its commitment to sustainable practices. The team was active in getting the vast majority of krill harvesting companies operating in the Antarctic involved in an initiative to voluntarily stop fishing in areas around the breeding colonies of penguins to protect Antarctic wildlife.
On the technology front, the company recently unveiled the world’s first purpose-built krill harvesting vessel. Named Antarctic Endurance, this environmentally-friendly, state-of-the-art vessel was specifically designed and constructed for the company’s unique business, and helps further demonstrate Aker BioMarine’s best practices, said Pastor.
“In addition to sustainability, traceability is equally important,” she added. “Aker BioMarine owns and controls its entire supply chain, which means customers can always expect a secure supply volume, product quality, and seamless service.”
Innovation
William Harris, PhD, chief scientific officer, OmegaQuant, pointed to several innovations spurring advancements in the omega-3 market, including “new supplement formulations (free fatty acids, pre-emulsified) with enhanced absorption properties; the clinical utility of the lesser-known omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (22:5n3); new benefits for omega-3s, such as in joint health; and re-evaluating the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 when given in higher doses than in past studies (i.e., 4 vs 1 gram/day).”
OmegaQuant also recently launched a new product called the Prenatal DHA test for women to use to measure, modify, and monitor their omega-3 DHA status.
“Women with red blood cell DHA levels of less than 5% are at increased risk for premature birth compared to women with higher levels,” said Harris. “Until now, there has not been a way for women or their doctors to assess their prenatal DHA level. In December last year, OmegaQuant research associate, Kristin Harris Jackson, PhD, RD, published a paper establishing the rationale for creating a specific DHA target level in the blood, specifically as a way to help reduce the risk of preterm birth. Since then, OmegaQuant has taken that research and developed a test to help women assess their level and determine if they need to get more DHA in their diet.”
According to Pastor, there is significant potential for growth and innovation for the future. “The krill oil market is hitting new heights, specifically with science, technology, and innovation. In fact, Aker BioMarine is investing in new science projects and exploring how krill oil can benefit various health areas. We also believe that innovation and technology will help to solve some of the industry’s toughest challenges moving forward. If we keep on this track, there is no question that we will continue to produce some of the most highly sought after products in the industry, and we are extremely optimistic and excited about the future of the krill oil category.”
While the future looks bright, Pastor said it’s important to reflect on what makes krill oil unique and what brought consumers to the category in the first place—usage and compliance.
“If ‘pill fatigue’ is an issue, krill oil is a great go-to option, as capsules are small and easy to swallow,” said Pastor. “Also with krill oil, you won’t encounter issues with smell, aftertaste, and reflux.”
Overall, the krill oil market is making waves with innovation, she added. “At Aker BioMarine, we are continually looking at unique delivery systems, emulsified liquids, gummies and all other collaborative combinations with complementary branded raw material suppliers.”
Science & Research
Research on omega-3s has been inconsistent at times because studies have often used what Harris called “sub-therapeutic doses.”
“That insufficient dosing has been a major problem was suggested by the findings of the REDUCE-IT study (published in early 2019) showing that 4 grams/day of EPA ethyl esters was clearly effective in reducing risk for cardiovascular disease,” he noted. “Another study called STRENGTH is testing the effects of 4 grams of EPA+DHA (given as free fatty acids) on cardiovascular disease and will be reported out in the next year or so. The general insufficiency of the standard 1 gram/day of EPA+DHA ethyl esters has been shown in several studies, and this is most likely due to the inability of that dose to achieve a cardioprotective Omega-3 Index of greater than 8%.”
To that end, OmegaQuant authored a recent paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition designed to help researchers calculate how much omega-3s people would likely need to reach a cardioprotective Omega-3 Index of 8%.
“Until now, there has been very little guidance about what dose of EPA and DHA should be tested in a study,” said Harris. “And with the wide differences in study results in recent years, it is likely that dose played a role in the relative success or failure of omega-3 studies. In other words, if the dose of EPA and DHA in a study isn’t high enough to make an impact on blood levels (i.e., the Omega-3 Index), there may be no effect on the desired endpoint, leading to a neutral result.”
In terms of application areas, Harris said there continues to be growing interest in the effects of omega-3s in a variety of clinical outcomes, including joint and brain health.
Harris recently co-authored the recent American Heart Association (AHA) advisory on omega-3s and high triglycerides, which was released in August. Based on recent clinical trial evidence, it said prescription omega-3 fatty acid medication reduces triglyceride levels by 20-30% among the majority of people who require treatment for high triglyceride levels.
“From our review of the evidence from 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials on high triglyceride levels, we concluded that treatment with 4 grams daily of any of the available prescription choices is effective and can be used safely in conjunction with statin medicines that lower cholesterol,” said Ann Skulas-Ray, PhD, the lead author of the new science advisory published in the AHA’s journal Circulation.
The AHA Advisory authors summarized the lipid and lipoprotein effects resulting from pharmacological doses of omega-3s EPA and DHA (at 3 grams or greater per day of EPA+DHA) on the basis of new scientific data and availability of prescription omega-3 preparations.
There are two prescription omega-3 fatty acid medications available, according to Harris. One combines EPA and DHA; the other provides only EPA. “Since there have been no head-to-head comparisons of the two different formulations at prescription dosing, the advisory does not recommend one over the other,” said Harris.
FDA-approved prescription omega-3 fatty acid products include Lovaza and its generic (omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters—EPA 0.465 g and DHA 0.375 g/capsule), Omtryg (a similar product but not clinically available), Vascepa (an ethyl ester product consisting of EPA only, chemical term “icosapent ethyl”—EPA 0.98 g/capsule), and Epanova (omega-3 carboxylic acid—EPA 0.55 g and DHA 0.2 g/capsule, not yet clinically available).
