Essential Fatty Acids: Essential for Overall Health

by Mike Straus | September 2, 2025

Here’s the latest news about the health benefits of EFAs.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) have long been popular with consumers for a variety of health applications, from brain function to heart health to eye health and more. Emerging research is also demonstrating that EFAs are helpful for overall health and anti-aging, fueling a rise in demand for these ingredients that is putting pressure on supply chains. The global EFA market is expected to reach $12.6 billion by 2032, growing at an impressive 10 percent compound annual growth rate, according to Zion Market Research.1 EFA suppliers are dealing with these pressures as they come, while also prioritizing sustainable sourcing—not an easy feat. As the EFA market continues to grow, scientific innovations are making these ingredients more effective and more tailored toward certain applications. Here are just some of the trends impacting essential fatty acids worldwide.

EFAs Boost Longevity, Exercise Performance

Emerging research is showing that essential fatty acids can do more than just aid the brain. Ingredient supplier GC Rieber VivoMega Sales and Marketing Director Ståle Søfting in Norway said that new research has uncovered a link between omega-3 fatty acids and longevity, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and exercise performance.

“Studies have also shown that EPA+DHA can help support joint discomfort and stiffness, brain health and cognitive performance, eye health, pregnancy/maternal health and cardiovascular health,” he noted.

Other research has found links with male fertility, according to ingredient supplier Epax Norway AS Product Marketing Manager Sarah Christianslund in Norway. Christianslund said that its fish oil is a biological factory responsible for creating both long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids and very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. She explained that VLC-PUFAs are emerging critical components in the omega-3 landscape, particularly in the areas of longevity, vision and male fertility. Meanwhile, Christianslund added, long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids are increasingly being recognized for their potential in skin health and metabolic health.

Other research has also found that essential fatty acids, specifically those found in krill oil, can help with obesity. Lisa Miller, communications director for human health ingredients at ingredient supplier Aker BioMarine in Norway, noted that weight loss strategies are currently raising concerns about the ability to lose weight while still preserving muscle mass. Now, though, new research has found that the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in krill oil could help preserve muscle mass among dieters.

“A new study led by the University of Glasgow’s School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, and published in the journal Obesity, found that krill oil supplementation during an alternate-day fasting diet helps mitigate the loss of fat-free mass, primarily muscle mass,” Miller said. “Krill oil also helped mitigate loss of muscle strength typically associated with diet-induced weight loss.”

Miller added that researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial based on the hypothesis that long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in krill oil could help preserve muscle tissue during caloric restriction. The study involved 52 adults aged 25 to 65 with above-average BMI (body mass index). Participants received either 4 grams of Superba Boost krill oil, or 4 grams of a vegetable oil placebo, every day both before and during the weight-loss phase. Forty-one participants completed the trial.

This study found that the loss of muscle mass was lower in the krill oil group compared to the placebo group. The krill oil group also exhibited a lower loss of handgrip strength compared to placebo, and took less time to rise out of a chair compared to placebo. Subjects taking krill oil also saw a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure than in the placebo group, and the amount of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acids in the krill oil group was higher than that of the placebo group.

Global Supply Chains Face Pressure

The global supply chain of essential fatty acids is subject to a variety of pressures, particularly when those fatty acids are sourced from marine sources. Christianslund noted that environmental changes, availability and increased demand due to greater consumer awareness of the health benefits of EFAs are all contributing to a tighter supply chain. Despite these pressures, however, the market has shown resilience through diversification of sourcing and the adoption of more efficient production technologies.

“There have been temporary disruptions in the EPA/DHA supply chain,” Christianslund said. “At Epax, we proactively address any supply chain challenges by diversifying our raw material sources and investing in sustainable fisheries. Our strategic partnerships ensure consistent access to high-quality fish oils, even as global demand grows. Furthermore, our continuous improvement initiatives in production efficiency help to maximize yield from every batch, minimizing waste and securing a steady supply of premium quality fish oil for our customers.”

Epax is currently investing an additional $10 million in its sustainability efforts, designed to make optimal sue of the various fractions of crude fish oil.

Sustainable Sourcing Comes Into Focus

With tight supply chains and limited raw material constraining sourcing, sustainability has come into sharp focus for EFA producers. Søfting said that as a leading producer of marine and algae omega-3 concentrates, GC Rieber VivoMega recognizes its responsibility to sustain the world’s fish stocks as a renewable resource—and to produce algae oils in a regenerative, environmentally-friendly manner. For GC Rieber VivoMega, the key is starting with a byproduct of fish meal rather than catching fish for exclusive use. Producing fish oil from fish meal helps to minimize waste and eliminates the negative environmental impact of sourcing.

Furthermore, Søfting noted, it’s important to know where byproduct materials are sourced from. GC Rieber VivoMega exclusively sources its raw materials from producers that are certified by Friend of the Sea and MarineTrust, two of the leading organizations dedicated to sustainable and responsible fisheries management.

“VivoMega’s processing technology takes this further by allowing the company to minimize unwanted waste material,” he said. “We repurpose as much as possible of our byproducts to fish feed used by local aquaculture producers, thereby ensuring as much as possible stays within the food chain. This entire process, along with its day-to-day environmental initiatives, enables VivoMega to significantly reduce its eco-footprint.”

In 2024, GC Rieber VivoMega introduced a new electric steam boiler, enabling the company to phase out the use of fossil fuels and operate on clean Norwegian hydroelectric power.

At Epax, meanwhile, sustainable sourcing is baked into the company’s values. Christianslund said that sustainability lies at the heart of Epax’s mission; the company leverages a holistic approach that combines responsible sourcing, clean processing and transparent reporting. “All Epax omega-3 ingredients are sourced from fisheries certified by third-party sustainability standards,” Christianslund said. “We work closely with these partners to ensure that fish stocks are harvested responsibly, with minimal impact on marine ecosystems.”

Epax has implemented cutting-edge energy-saving systems at its manufacturing facilities; in 2024, 97 percent of the company’s energy needs were fulfilled through clean and renewable hydro energy. The company also has waste management programs that focus on upcycling by-products and minimizing landfill contributions; Epax recirculates 97 percent of its biomaterials. Finally, the company has implemented robust traceability initiatives across its supply chain to ensure top quality.

Miller noted that at Aker BioMarine, the company’s Antarctic krill operations harvest less than 1 percent of the total krill biomass. Aker BioMarine limits its activity to a small, carefully managed area of the Southern Ocean, thereby minimizing its environmental footprint and protecting the local ecosystem.

“Aker BioMarine is building the future of sustainable harvesting through cutting-edge technology,” Miller noted. “From real-time data utilizing sensors, drones and autonomous vessels to monitor environmental conditions and krill populations, we are harnessing the power of machine learning.”

Miller said that Aker BioMarine also works closely with scientists, environmental non-government organizations, and fishery managers, ensuring that sustainability and industry growth aren’t opposing goals.

Emerging Innovations Make EFAs More Effective

The EFA market is rapidly growing, according to Christianslund. However, this growth is also fueling innovation and evolution. She noted that the market is shifting away from generic fish oils and toward more targeted, high-concentration omega products. With consumers being able to access all the information in the world through their smartphones, Christianslund noted, they’re becoming more discerning and are looking for science-backed formulations with proven efficacy.

“At Epax, the main product innovations are driven by our exploration of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids and very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids,” Christianslund said. “Epax Omega-3-9-11 is rich in omega-3 EPA and DHA, which are well known for their benefits in areas like heart health and brain health. However, unlike other omega-3 products, it combines them with the less familiar LC-MUFAs omega-9 and -11, which are increasingly being recognized for their potential in skin and metabolic health.”

Epax has also recently launched its branded Evolve 05 product, the world’s first commercially available very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid product. VLC-PUFAs, Christianslund said, are a family of omega-3 fatty acids that offer particular potential in the healthy aging category.

“Pre-clinical studies have found that supplementation is associated with improved sight, and that depletion is linked to age-related phenomena such as reduced bone density and muscle strength,” she explained. “Additionally, VLC-PUFAs have been found to have profound effects in areas such as skin health and male fertility.”

Søfting noted that new developments in essential fatty acids are making them more palatable to consumers across a variety of formats. GC Rieber VivoMega’s proprietary sensory technology VivoSens is an analysis method that identifies, quantifies and standardizes the components that contribute to the taste and smell of omega-3 oils. A world-first technology, VivoSens enables VivoMega to objectively measure the sensory performance of every batch of its concentrates, enabling the company to deliver great-tasting oils to customers.

“Additionally, our algae continues to show incredible interest and growth, particularly with the launch of VivoMega Algal EPA and DHA oils,” Søfting noted. “This new EPA+DHA offering enables increased product flexibility in formulation, with a highly potent and pleasing sensory performance of omega-3 oil from a sustainable, vegan source.”

Miller predicted that as the health and wellness category continues to evolve, essential fatty acids will continue to grow. She said that younger generations like Millennials and Generation Z are leading the charge, while other demographics continue to redefine wellness on their own terms. As such, there’s a growing opportunity to reimagine how essential fatty acids like omega-3s fit into the evolving health and nutrition space.

“The omega-3 category is entering a new era,” Miller said. “It’s an era defined by smarter consumers, cleaner formulations and a broader focus on healthspan over simply lifespan. As awareness around the importance of long-term health grows, omega-3s, particularly from marine sources like krill oil, are being embraced not only by aging populations, but also by younger, proactive wellness seekers. Omega-3s are no longer just supplements—they’re part of broader wellness solutions.”

Miller said that suppliers like Aker BioMarine are continuing to prioritize science, with university collaborations underway. The company has published more than 50 clinical studies on topics ranging from heart health, to joint health, to sports performance, to women’s health, to skin health, to healthy aging and more.

Meanwhile, the company is also investing in alternative sources for eco-conscious consumers who want the health benefits of essential fatty acids without the environmental impact. Aker BioMarine recently launched Revervia, an algae-based ingredient that’s naturally rich in DHA. Revervia requires zero molecular processing, delivering purity and performance as a natural triglyceride that’s completely plant-based.

“For consumers, Revervia offers an effective, vegetarian-friendly omega-3 source that aligns with wellness and ethical values,” Miller noted. “For brands, it unlocks opportunities in underserved markets—especially in plant-based, clean-label and eco-forward segments—helping them meet modern demand with purpose-driven innovation.”

Miller said that the clean-eating movement has moved into the supplements category, with consumers holding supplements to the same high standards they expect from real food. Consumers are increasingly valuing transparency, minimal-ingredient formulations and recognizable ingredients they can trust.

One 2025 market report by UniWell Laboratories noted that essential fatty acids are quite popular among clean-label supplements; UniWell also predicted that as the clean-label trend continues to grow, emerging innovations like blockchain and QR code technology will give consumers even more detailed information about ingredient sourcing and supply chain transparency.2

Delivery System Innovations Underway

There are emerging innovations in essential fatty acid delivery systems, with liposomal delivery and microencapsulation techniques being used to enhance absorption and improve taste profile. Brands like Lipolife in the United Kingdom are using liposomes to encapsulate fatty acids in liquid form, enabling greater efficacy and easier ingredient delivery.

Meanwhile, microencapsulation techniques are being researched for use with essential fatty acids, with Italian company SILA pioneering targeted and slow-release products that can be absorbed in the intestine in a controlled manner. While microencapsulation remains a niche delivery system for essential fatty acids, some companies are moving forward with the technology and bringing it to market.

EFAs Set to Grow

The essential fatty acids market is a rapidly growing niche that offers great opportunity for formulators. While older consumers are seeking out essential fatty acids for their brain health and longevity benefits, younger supplement consumers are enjoying them for their effects on exercise capacity. Despite the fact that global supply chains are currently strained, manufacturers continue to find innovative ways to source new essential fatty acids from sustainable marine sources. Emerging ingredient formulation innovations are continuing to make essential fatty acids even more effective than ever before, with a focus on targeted formulations and high doses. Moreover, clinical studies are confirming the benefits of essential fatty acids on other areas like heart health, while younger consumers start to adopt fish oils for their overall wellness benefits. As the essential fatty acids market continues to grow, expect there to be more applications and opportunities for EFAs in the future. NIE

References:

1 Zion Market Research. “Essential Fatty Acids Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2032.” Published online July 2024. www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/essential-fatty-acids-market#:~:text=The%20global%20essential%20fatty%20acids,10%25%20between%202024%20and%202032.

2 UniWell Labs. “The rise of clean label supplements: A 2025 market insight.” Published online 2025.