Why we need omega-3s
Omega-3 remains a mature and established market within the nutraceutical industry—with grounded consumer interest in heart, eye, brain and blood health benefits. While the wheel of innovation turns slowly in omega-3 product development, renewed interest in eye and cognitive health, as a result of COVID-19, preferences for plant-based alternatives, and en emphasis on sustainable sourcing provide brands with opportunities to be competitive and win market share.
GOED (The Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3s) reported that the omega-3 finished product market size reached US$44.2 billion in 2019. Different regional performance and new product development are driving combined market growth, landing the global EPA and DHA consumer product market at a projected annual growth rate of 6.1% over 2020–2021.
The three types of omega−3 fatty acids known to deliver health benefits to humans are ALA, commonly found in plant oils, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both commonly found in fish oils and marine plants.
Although classified as essential fats, the body can’t make them from scratch on its own and therefore must get them from food. While EPA and DHA are best sourced through marine ingredients such as fish oils, krill oil and mussels, ALA is commonly sourced through plant oils and seeds like soybean, flaxseed, chia seed, linseed. The body can convert some ALA into EPA and then to DHA, but only in very minimal amounts. Therefore, getting EPA and DHA from foods and dietary supplements is the only practical way to increase levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
Omega-3s are an essential part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes. They provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function. Omega-3s have historic research supporting heart disease and stroke prevention, healthy blood pressure, and managing symptoms of conditions such as lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis. Most recently and more so now in COVID-19 times, omega-3s are gaining further interest from manufacturers and consumers alike interested in emerging science supporting cognitive and eye health benefits.