Omega 3 Market By Type (EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), and Others), By Source (Marine {Fish Oil, Krill Oil, Algae Oil, and Others} and Plant-Based {Flaxseed, Chia Seeds, Walnuts, Hemp Seeds, and Others}), By Form (Liquid, Oil, Softgel/Capsules, and Others), By Application (Food and Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Nutrition, and Cosmetics & Personal Care), and By End-user (Pregnant Women, Infants and Children, Chronic Condition Patients, Health-conscious, and Others), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Omega 3 market accounted for USD 3.15 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.2 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 7.8% between 2025 and 2035. The Omega-3 market is that part of the global industry that involves producing, distributing, and selling the so-called Omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential nutrients and often known for their health benefits. Omega-3s mainly exist in fish oil, algae, flaxseeds, and walnuts, and are then marketed in the forms of supplements, fortified foods, and even beverages.

They are known to support heart health, and brain functions and to reduce inflammation. It is mostly consumers' awareness of health and wellness that contributes to the increasing demand for natural and plant-based sources of Omega-3. The major players here are supplemented manufacturers, food companies, and pharmaceutical firms. The increased chronic disease conditions push demand forward for Omega-3 products globally.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Growing Demand for Omega-3 Supplements in Pet Health and Wellness

The demand for Omega-3 supplements in the pet health market has increased due to their improving coat health, joint function, and overall well-being in pets. Omega-3 fatty acids- EPA is known to help in maintaining healthy fur and skin while serving to reduce inflammation inside the body, hence increasing mobility in joints. They are oftentimes prescribed by veterinarians for dogs with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions as supplementary medication for better joint management.

Omega-3s also contribute to a healthy skin complexion and reduce shedding, preventing such conditions as dry or flaky skin in animals. According to various reports, it has been stated that between 10 and 33 percent of dogs and cats, and up to 84 percent of horse owners feed the animal supplement or nutraceuticals in the United States. As more pet owners seek natural, effective solutions for their pets' health, the pet Omega-3 supplement market continues to open wide in response, mirroring a rising focus on pet wellness.

Omega-3 Driving Growth in Sports Nutrition and Recovery

The growing awareness of Omega-3's benefits in the context of sports nutrition and fitness is fueling the demand in the Omega-3 market. Omega-3 fatty acids, notably EPA and DHA, have been identified to facilitate muscle recovery, have anti-inflammatory effects, and promote joint health. They are increasingly accepted by athletes and sporty individuals. It is considered that this type of supplement could help alleviate muscle soreness and initiate better recovery from intense physical exertion.

Omega-3s also significantly reduce joint inflammation, and athletes are often the vulnerable ones who experience constant pain or stiffness in their joints. With increasing demand, supplies of athletic-performance Omega-3 supplements tailored for faster recovery, reduced exercise-induced inflammation, and enhanced physical well-being are continually growing. This aligns with the proliferation of functional foods and supplements in the fitness sector.

Sourcing and Sustainability Challenges Impacting Omega-3 Market Growth

Sourcing and sustainability factors are major challenges in the Omega-3 market, especially in marine sources such as fish and krill. Overfishing and the ecological disruption of marine resources for Omega-3 supplements are major issues. The decline in fish populations and harming marine ecosystems may also end up causing regulatory and price pressures.

The increased demand for krill oil has stirred the debate about ecological balance in the Southern Ocean, as krill serves as the primary food for many species existing within this ecosystem. Sustainability issues may, therefore, reduce the supply of Omega-3 and increase production costs, which puts pressure on the companies to look for similar eco-friendly alternatives, such as plant-based Omega-3 from algae, to satisfy market needs.

Innovating Omega-3 in Plant-Based Proteins to Target the Growing Vegan Market

The increasing demand for plant-based proteins offers an opportunity to apply innovation to Omega-3 in alternative proteins, such as plant-based meat and milk. As consumers continue to be increasingly aligned with vegan and vegetarian diets, there is an increasing requirement for people to fortify their diet with plant-based foods based on essential nutrients such as Omega-3. These are essential for the health of the heart and brain but rarely found in a plant-based diet, particularly in DHA and EPA.

Omega-3s from algae in plant-based products will enable consumers to continue obtaining the benefits of this essential fatty acid, independent of animal-source use. With veganism and flexitarianism on the rise, adding Omega-3 to plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and snacks opens a substantial market opportunity, particularly for health-conscious and environmentally conscious customers. This would also be substantiated by greater consumer awareness regarding sustainable and ethical food choices.

Omega-3 Unlocking Opportunities in Beauty and Skincare for Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Omega-3 may also play a significant role in healthy skin and the prevention of aging, giving way to a new growing market for the beauty and skincare industry. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, have been reported to moisturize the skin, alleviate inflammation, and prevent damage from UV radiation, thus increasing the demand for skincare products. Omega-3s have been proven to alleviate symptoms of dry skin and eczema and promote the production of key collagen proteins for maintaining youthful skin.

Additionally, its antioxidant properties may protect the skin from environmental stressors, thereby promoting healthier and more vibrant skin. With consumers' growing demand for natural and effective skincare ingredients, market demands for beauty products infused with omega 3 are increasing due to its rise in growth potential. This trend is especially viewed in the increased use of plant-based alternatives, which also presents other opportunities for plant-derived products with Omega-3.

Industry Experts Opinion

"Preventive health and wellness are more relevant than ever. AvailOm's exceptional delivery of omega-3 nutrients, combined with ChemPoint's expertise in specialty ingredient adoption, make for a perfect match."

• Austin Nichols, president of ChemPoint.

"Our new Organic Valley Family First milk tastes just as fresh and delicious as our other organic milks, with the added benefits of DHA Omega 3. And so, we couldn't be more excited to bring our new Family First milk to store shelves nationwide and offer families a great-tasting option from our co-op that provides quality nutrition for the whole family."

• Jaclyn Cardin, Organic Valley chief brand officer

Segment Analysis

Based on the type, the Omega 3 market has been classified into EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), and Others. EPA and DHA are the leading types in the market due to documented benefits, particularly to the heart, brain, and eyes. DHA is considered important in brain development and cognitive functions and plays an essential role in both prenatal and postnatal health care, while EPA is highly sought after because of its anti-inflammatory effects that promote heart health and joint function.

Based on the source, the Omega 3 market has been classified into marine and plant-based. The market is further segmented by marine into fish oil, krill oil, algae oil, and others. Based on the plant-based the market is further classified as flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and others. Marine-based sources lead in the market, with fish oil being the dominant source because it contains high concentrations of both EPA and DHA, the most beneficial forms of Omega-3 for heart, brain, and joint health. Fish oil is also generally recognized for its bioavailability and effectiveness. The dominant position of fish oil in the market is also due to its wide availability and established research base supporting health benefits.

Regional Analysis

The North American Omega-3 Market is the largest in terms of both consumption and production. Within it, the U.S. and Canada can be cited as driving huge demand for Omega-3 supplement intakes. Increased demand in these regions is being driven by current awareness of their health benefits, especially for the heart, brain, and joints. Functional foods and beverages with Omega-3 such as fortified milk, snack foods, and beverages already have a well-established market in these regions.

Omega-3 supplements are widely consumed by many, and the aging demographic is an important contributor to the volume-sustaining demand in the said region. The strong presence of huge players in the Omega-3 supplement industry further enhances North America's position as the largest market.  

Asia-Pacific Omega-3 Market is expected to grow at the fastest rate, motivated by the rising health awareness and dietary pattern changes in countries like China, Japan, and India. With growing incomes and changing consumer preferences towards healthier lifestyles, demand for Omega-3-rich products has been witnessing rapid growth. This is equally driven by the increasing popularity of the latest trend of plant-based Omega-3.

The market is witnessing the increasing adoption of veganism and vegetarianism. The growing middle-class population in the region and the rising adoption of Omega-3 in functional food and supplement markets contribute to the rapid growth of the region. It also further matures due to the growing awareness of Omega-3 regarding brain health, preventing heart disease, and reduction of inflammation.

Competitive Landscape

The Omega-3 market has intense competition from the following major players such as DSM Nutritional Products, BASF, Croda International, Omega Protein Corporation, EPAX, and Pharmavite. These are the companies highly dominating the market with wide portfolios, ranging from fish oil to algae-based Omega-3 supplements. Sustainability and innovation have always been in focus in recent years, for instance, DSM has expanded algae-based Omega-3 offerings to catch the growing demand for plant-based alternatives.

Sustainability initiatives and the expansion of their lines mean that these companies are paying attention to such demands and meeting global consumers' diverse needs as demand for Omega-3 continues to grow.

Omega 3 Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In August 2024, ChemPoint LLC, a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC, a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients, and Evonik, a leader in specialty chemicals, announced that Evonik has appointed ChemPoint to be responsible for the sales, and marketing, and exclusive distribution rights of Evonik AvailOm® omega-3 powders in the United States.
• In August 2024, NOW®, the family-owned brand that has powered the healthy living community for years, has expanded its broad wellness category with the new Omega-3 Gummy Chews supplement and E-Sport Reaction gaming performance supplement, which are sold online and at select natural retailers across the country.
• In January 2024, Organic Valley, America's largest organic farmer-owned dairy cooperative, announced that it has expanded its fluid milk portfolio with the new brand Organic Valley® Family First™. This milk contains DHA Omega-3 to promote brain health, in addition to the 12 essential nutrients found in standard Organic Valley milk.

Report Coverage:

By Type

• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
• ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
• Others

By Source

• Marine
  • Fish Oil
  • Krill Oil
  • Algae Oil
  • Others
• Plant-Based
  • Flaxseed
  • Chia Seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Hemp Seeds
  • Others

By Form

• Liquid
• Oil
• Softgel/Capsules
• Others

By Application

• Food and Beverages
• Dietary Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Animal Nutrition
• Cosmetics & Personal Care

By End-user

• Pregnant Women
• Infants and Children
• Chronic Condition Patients
• Health-conscious
• Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• DSM Nutritional Products
• BASF SE
• Croda International
• Omega Protein Corporation
• EPAX
• Pharmavite LLC
• Nordic Naturals
• Aker BioMarine
• GC Rieber Oils
• Life Extension
• Nature's Way
• Kerry Group
• Now Foods
• NutraSea
• FMC Corporation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)