Fatty Acid Supplements Market

Fatty Acid Supplements Market Size

The global fatty acid supplements market generated significant revenues in 2024 and will continue to grow at a significant CAGR during 2025-2034, driven by the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing chronic diseases. The increase in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity, and hypertension has led people to opt for preventive health measures, which has increased the fatty acid supplement market.

As per the WHO, around 17.9 million die due to cardiovascular diseases globally each year. The increasing popularity of fatty acid supplements is directly related to their sources of fish oils and algae or based on plant-related sources that are more sustainable. Consumers are more aware of the advantages of fatty acids in improving heart health, as well as cognitive function and overall wellness. The market continues to grow as consumers are choosing to include more supplements in their diets to receive certain nutrients they feel are lacking in their daily diets.

 One of the contributing factors to the growth of fatty acid supplements is the general unhealthiness of populations considering lifestyle choices (e.g., obesity, hypertension), and consumers becoming more aware of treating themselves through preventive healthcare versus lifestyle adjustments. In addition, the variety of formulation choices related to fatty acid supplements (soft gels, capsules, liquid, gummies) allows for many choices for consumers.

However, the market also faces several issues that could restrict growth. The primary issue surrounding the fatty acid supplements industry is the cost of high-quality omega-3 products. For example, marine-based omega-3 products, such as fish oil, tend to be the most expensive. Thus, high-quality omega-3 products, especially in emerging markets, may not be affordable for lower-income consumers. The market also faces some concerns from consumers surrounding the efficacy and quality of this type of supplement.

Fatty Acid Supplements Market Trends

The fatty acid supplements industry is experiencing a few key trends, including product innovation, an increase in plant-based fatty acids, and increasing recognition of the importance of omega-3 and other essential fatty acids. One of the trending items is the increase in vegan and vegetarian omega-3 supplements. Algal oil, as a plant, is gaining traction as a sustainable, cruelty-free alternative to omega-3 fish oil. The trend that aims to align consumers who want their diet to reflect their environmental and ethical beliefs for eating more plant-based foods is ramping up in North America and Europe.  

Another significant trend is the innovation of alternatives to delivery formats for fatty acid supplements. Even though soft gels and capsules will still be hugely popular, the trend is moving toward alternative delivery formats that consumers widely accept, such as gummies, powders, and liquids. These alternative delivery methods are also advantageous for consumers by making it more convenient for incorporation into consumers' routine, and especially beneficial for children and older adults who dislike swallowing pills.

Fatty Acid Supplements Market Analysis

The marine oil segment held a notable share in 2024. Marine oils, particularly fish oils, which contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been the subject of many studies, offer health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids include already established EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to help with inflammation, cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and health & wellness. Fish oil supplements are being used everywhere, with particularly high demand in North America and Europe.

Like the fish oil industry, the marine oil segment is also facing barriers, including sustainability and environmental concerns due to overfishing. In the last decade, many companies have been proactively addressing sustainability concerns by demonstrating sustainable sourcing processes and certifications, and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label, so consumers understand where and how their ingredients were sourced. With more demand for marine-related omega-3s, business investment in these product categories, like krill oil and algae oil, is needed to develop and market these products better for marine omega-3s with favorable health attributes, and less overall environmental impact.

The dietary supplements segment held robust growth in 2024. Many consumers are looking to enhance their health and well-being through supplements. As dietary supplements are marketed for consumers as a convenient and fast way of adding supplements to their diet, they do not get enough fatty acids through the food they eat. The dietary supplement segment includes various forms of supplements used in the fatty acids segment (e.g., hard and soft capsules, soft gels, gummies, liquids) that provide many different formats for consumers to choose from.

The increased health consciousness of consumers has driven the dietary pesticides segment. Consumers are increasingly aware of the role that fatty acids play in heart health, cognitive function, and joint flexibility. As consumers become more aware and educated about the role of fatty acids in their diets, including supplements with omega-3 and omega-6, it has become more likely to be part of their daily diet.

North America market generated notable revenues in 2024, driven by growing consumer awareness conferred by omega-3 fatty acids, and an aging population who are increasingly utilizing supplements to address their preventative health needs. In particular, the US has a substantial consumer base for omega-3 supplements, and retailers have been responding to this growing demand by increasingly expanding their offerings to address heart health, cognitive decline, and inflammatory concerns.

Much of North America's growth can be solely attributed to rising consumer demand, as well as a relatively solid regulatory environment that supports the safety and quality of fatty acid supplements, as manufacturers and distribution networks meet rising demand. Additionally, as the region develops a more conscientious plant-sourcing practice, there has been more investment in space and enthusiasm supporting plant-based omega-3 supplements as an environmentally friendly alternative to marine-based fish supplements that are popular in North America.

Fatty Acid Supplements Market Share

Key players in the fatty acid supplements industry include:

• Axellus AS
• Arista Industries
• Croda Health Care
• Copeinca AS
• Glaxo Smith Kline plc
• EFG Elbe Fetthandel GmbH
• Epax AS
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• DMS
  

To expand their reach in the market, companies are applying product innovation, sustainability, and partnerships. A significant strategy is to develop plant-based omega-3 supplements to meet the increasing demand for vegan and sustainable alternatives to traditional fish oil. Companies attempt to broaden their product portfolios to entice a more diverse group of consumers, including children and older adults, through new delivery formats, including gummies, powders, and liquids.

Companies enhancing their credibility in the fatty acid supplements industry by communicating with healthcare professionals and nutritionists are reaching new consumers by communicating the benefits of fatty acids through sound scientific research. Additionally, companies are using advances in genomic and nutritional sciences to offer personalized nutrition solutions through fatty acid supplements. As brands are looking to expand into new categories, markets emphasize sustainability where the tagline is good for customers, family, and the earth to ensure growth.

Fatty Acid Supplements Industry News

• In February 2025, SFI Health™ EMEA, the regional branch of SFI Health™, a global leader in natural healthcare, announced that Equazen® products were released in Portugal. Its clinically researched products in microbiome, cognition, and well-being, shared that Equazen® offers science-backed nutritional solutions designed to support brain health and cognitive function.
  
• In December 2024, Nature's Bounty®, a leader in scientifically backed vitamin and nutritional supplements, introduced its new Plant-Based Omega-3 dietary supplement. As a vegetarian alternative to traditional fish oil, the Nature's Bounty Plant-Based Omega-3 supplement sources its EPA and DHA omega-3s directly from algae, providing a plant-based option for delivering health benefits. Algae, known for producing these healthy fats, were the key ingredient in this innovative supplement.